Schaumburg police warn seniors of phone scams

Schaumburg police issued a community alert Monday warning seniors to be vigilant against telephone scams asking them to send money.

Late last week an 85-year-old Schaumburg resident received a phone call from a person claiming to be a police officer who advised that the senior’s grandchild was in trouble and needed cash.

The senior was instructed to withdraw $2,400 from the bank and send it via Western Union to a person in a South American country.

After the transaction was completed, the same person called the senior again with instructions to send another $2,400. The senior again complied.

A third call was received instructing the senior to use the drive-through lane at their bank and obtain a credit advance. The bank manager realized it was the senior’s third visit for a large withdrawal and contacted police as she was concerned for the welfare of the senior.

Police say types of telephone scams, in which the caller plays on the emotions of a senior resident concerned that a grandchild is in trouble, are common. A person receiving such a call should first contact relatives to find out whether someone in the family is in danger or requires assistance.

Police say residents should also contact police before sending any money to an unknown individual.

For additional information on these types of scams, call Schaumburg’s Crime Prevention Specialist Paula Diaz at (847) 348-7274.