Palos Park, IL – Police in Palos Park are warning residents to stay vigilant after an 86-year-old resident was reportedly scammed out of thousands of dollars in a fake sweepstakes scheme.
According to the Palos Park Police Department, the victim was contacted by individuals claiming they had won a large cash prize. The scammers allegedly convinced the resident to send money to “cover fees” before receiving the supposed winnings. After realizing the prize was fake, the victim reported the incident to authorities.
Police are reminding residents that legitimate sweepstakes never require upfront payment, personal financial details, or gift cards to claim a prize. They also urge community members to be cautious when receiving calls, texts, or emails from unknown sources promising money or prizes.
Officials say similar scams have been reported throughout Cook County and surrounding suburbs, often targeting elderly individuals. Investigators are working to trace the fraudulent communications and identify the perpetrators.
Residents who suspect they may have been targeted are encouraged to contact Palos Park Police immediately or report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission.
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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