Palos Park, IL – Police in Palos Park are warning residents about a growing information request scam circulating by phone, email, text, and even social media.
According to the Palos Park Police Department, scammers are impersonating legitimate government agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration, banks, and Medicare. Victims are pressured into sharing personal details through threats of account closure, fines, or deactivation.
The department says common red flags include urgent requests for information, suspicious links or attachments, fake websites, poor grammar, and unexpected payment demands. Police emphasized that no legitimate agency will ask for personal details, such as Social Security numbers, over the phone or online.
Authorities recommend that anyone targeted by the scam immediately stop communication and verify the caller by contacting the company or agency directly through an official number—not one provided by the scammer. Residents who believe they shared sensitive information should notify their bank, law enforcement, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Those who may have given out a Social Security number are advised to visit IdentityTheft.gov for next steps.
Police also urge the public to avoid clicking suspicious links and to remain skeptical of anyone creating pressure to hand over personal information.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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