Scam artists active in Northwest suburbs, police reports show

Northwest suburban police departments are reporting several recent attempts to scam area residents.

In Arlington Heights, the potential victim received a call from a subject claiming he was from ComEd, warning his service would be disconnected because he failed to make the necessary payments. He was told to go to a Walgreens, Target or Walmart and buy a Green Dot Money Pack worth $385. When the complainant went to the bank to get cash, the teller alerted him about the possibility he was being scammed.

In Buffalo Grove, a resident reported receiving a voice mail at 9 a.m. Sept. 11 from a person who identified himself as an officer with the “Criminal Investigation Department.” The message said to return his call as soon as possible or legal action could be taken against him. The complainant did an Internet search and learned the phone number was associated with a scam.

Also in Buffalo Grove, a resident reported receiving a phone call from a subject stating he was a federal employee and that the resident owed their 2009 or 2010 taxes, which could be settled for a reduced amount. The complainant hung up on the caller.