Wheeling man charged after police say Vernon Hills resident scammed out of $27,000

A 54-year-old Wheeling man is facing felony theft charges after he scammed a resident there out of $27,000, Vernon Hills police said

Police arrested Dmytro Kariev Sept. 2, following a nearly monthlong investigation.

Investigators said Kariev contacted his victim in July with a fake email claiming there had been an unauthorized withdrawal from her bank account.

The woman was prompted by a popup message on her computer to call an unknown number where she spoke with a man who claimed her Social Security number had been used to purchase firearms in another state.

The man told her $20,000 was needed by the federal government to continue the investigation. The scammer even provided personal information about the victim and gave her a “cover story” to use if the $20,000 withdrawal was questioned by bank staff, police said.

The woman handed over the cash Kariev in the driveway of her home, police said. The next day, scammers instructed her to send $7,000 to an address in California via a delivery service. After that was done, any telephone numbers the victim had been communicating with the scammers were deactivated.

The woman reported the theft Aug. 8. The woman had photos and a description of the Kariev’s vehicle and license plate, police said.

Kariev was released and is due back in court for a first appearance hearing Sept. 16.

Police believe there might be more victims and urge anyone who might have also been scammed to contact Vernon Hills police at (847) 362-4449.