Palos Park, IL – Residents in the southwest suburbs are being warned of a new wave of phone scams targeting senior citizens, with scammers posing as grandchildren or family members in distress.
According to a recent alert shared Tuesday by the Palos Park Police Department, the so-called “Grandparent Scam” begins when a scammer calls a senior, pretending to be their grandchild who has allegedly been involved in an accident or jailed. In some reported cases, scammers claim the relative was involved in an accident with a diplomat or a pregnant woman, heightening the urgency.
Authorities said the scam typically escalates with a second call, where another scammer pretends to be an attorney requesting money for legal fees, bond, or medical expenses. The scammers repeatedly instruct victims to keep the situation secret, sometimes referencing a supposed gag order to prevent them from contacting other family members.
Police urge residents not to answer calls from unfamiliar numbers and to verify any urgent requests for money by contacting the family member directly. If the family member cannot be reached, officials recommend reaching out to another trusted family member, even if the caller insists on secrecy.
The Palos Park Police Department further advises the public to limit the amount of personal information they share online, as scammers may use details from social media or dating sites to make their schemes more convincing.
Victims or those who suspect scam attempts are encouraged to report incidents to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant new stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
