Cook County sheriff warns 'sweetheart scams' target older men
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart is warning senior citizen men and their families about an apparent increase in sweetheart scams.
These involve middle-aged women targeting older men and feigning interest in romance. They earn the men's trust, then make up a story about needing money.
Dart's office and advocacy groups have gotten rising numbers of calls about these scams, especially in Chicago's southwest suburbs.
In one case, an elderly man helped a woman pay court-ordered restitution from a similar scam she was convicted of in another state. Dart says in another case, a suburban man lost nearly $400,000.
Many victims are reluctant to come forward so it's unclear how widespread the scams are.
People with concerns or information can call the financial crimes and public corruption unit at 708-865-5188.