Elderly man scammed out of $5,000 in Arlington Hts.

A man contacted an elderly resident of a retirement community in Arlington Heights and scammed him out of $5,000 by pretending to be his grandson in jail in need of bond, police said.

The theft from a resident in the 1200 block of North Luther Village Drive occurred Oct. 20 but wasn't reported until Nov. 5. The offender called the victim and persuaded him to purchase $5,000 in Reloadit gift cards.

Police advise handing up on such calls and never using a wire transfer or gift cards like Green Dot and Reloadit for payment without verifying the information.

Anyone having information about such crimes should submit an anonymous tip by texting 847AHPD and your message to 847411(tip411) or call Arlington Heights Crime Stoppers at (847) 590-STOP. Callers are guaranteed anonymity and may qualify for a cash reward of up to $1,000.