Manhattan, IL – A Manhattan senior narrowly avoided losing nearly $10,000 Tuesday afternoon after trusting his instincts and contacting police when a situation “didn’t feel right,” according to the Manhattan Police Department.
According to police, officers were contacted at approximately 1:00 p.m. today after an elderly resident reported concerns following a phone call that claimed he needed to make a reimbursement payment related to alleged check fraud. Earlier in the day, the resident had withdrawn $9,800 in cash from a local bank after the caller used persuasive tactics and personal information to make the request appear legitimate.
Police said officers met with the resident and learned that a rideshare service had already been ordered to the man’s home to collect the cash and transport it to Chicago, a tactic increasingly used in fraud schemes to distance scammers from victims.
Officers accompanied the resident and intervened before the money could be handed over. No funds were lost.
“This incident ended positively because the resident trusted his instincts and contacted police,” the department said in a statement.
Authorities say scams involving fake fraud claims, urgent payment demands, and third-party couriers are becoming more common in Manhattan, Will County, and the greater Chicago metro area. Seniors are often targeted, but police stress that anyone can become a victim.
Residents are urged to monitor elderly family members, friends, and neighbors closely and to report suspicious calls immediately. Police emphasize that legitimate banks and government agencies do not request cash payments or send rideshare drivers to collect money.
Anyone who believes they may be involved in a scam is encouraged to contact local law enforcement right away.
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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