Northbrook Police Warn of Phone Scams

The few minutes you take to read this and share with your friends, family and co-workers may save you $$$!

Scams, Frauds and Con Artists…. A few new facts to know:

There has been a recent flood of phone scams in our area and throughout the country. If you did not initiate the contact, don’t give any personal information over the phone, online or let someone into your home.

A common scam that has been reported to Northbrook Police, as well as in surrounding area communities, involves a caller claiming to be with an agency or utility such as the IRS, ComEd, ATT or another common business. They will advise that there was an error in your taxes or a late bill, and that you need to get a prepaid credit card and give them the access code immediately to avoid penalties, disconnection of the utility or even jail. The caller instructs the victim to put money on a debit/gift card or free pay card such as a GreenDot Card and provide the card number and access code as payment. (Another popular phone scam is when an unknown caller tells you that you won a prize but you just have to pay for the taxes prior to receiving the prize. In addition, be weary if you receive a telephone call from someone claiming to be a family member asking for money to be sent to them.)

No one from any legitimate agency would ever ask you to purchase and pay with prepaid credit cards. If you are ever requested to pay a bill over the phone with a debit or Green Dot Card – STOP – and disconnect the call immediately. Once the card information is given to a scammer there is NO getting the money back or canceling the card, the money is gone!

This is happening to both residents and businesses. Most recently to two local businesses.

Any questions or concerns can be directed to the Northbrook Police Department Crime Prevention Unit at 847/664-4427.

Remember...Unless you initiate the call or contact with a bank, credit card company or any other service provider, do not give any information when an email or phone call is received. More often than not these are "Phishing" attempts.

Phishing is the act of attempting to acquire information such as usernames, passwords, credit card details, and personal information by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.