Police warn of business scam out of Wisconsin

Officials in Mundelein and Lake Zurich are warning businesses about a potential scam circulating out of Wisconsin.

Mundelein police officials said they have received complaints from businesses claiming Edward M. Zapencki of Fun Treasure Maps in Wisconsin has been calling trying to exchange cash for advertising space to businesses.

In many cases, Zapencki — considered a very convincing salesman — has convinced business owners to write checks to him personally for services and advertising, but the advertising is never provided in any of his cartoon-style treasure maps. Police officials said the Attorney General for Wisconsin has filed a civil enforcement lawsuit against Zapencki and Fun Treasure Maps for defrauding hundreds of small businesses in that state.

Police are asking anyone to use caution when dealing with such businesses. Anyone who has been contacted by Zapencki is urged to phone police to file an official police report. For information, people can contact the Mundelein Police Department at (847) 968-4600.