Palos Park, IL – As the holiday season approaches, Palos Park Police are cautioning residents about an increase in online scams targeting seniors. Authorities report that the “phantom hacker,” “grandparent scam,” and “romance scheme” are among the most common frauds surfacing this year. These scams often originate overseas and aim to deceive elderly individuals, hoping to exploit them financially.
According to Palos Park Police, residents can protect themselves by taking a few preventive steps. Officials advise against sending money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to unknown individuals. They also warn against sharing personal information with unfamiliar contacts, stressing the importance of verifying legitimacy independently. Scammers often use email links and phone calls, encouraging targets to click or respond without verification.
Anyone suspecting a scam should contact local law enforcement. Police also suggest visiting the FBI’s website at ic3.gov for detailed information on fraud prevention and to file complaints. By staying vigilant, residents can protect themselves and avoid falling victim to these deceitful schemes.
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