The Tinley Park Police Department would like residents to be aware of an uptick in phone and email scams involving elderly residents. These scams have been increasingly targeting vulnerable members of the community by posing as legitimate entities to deceive and exploit them.
According to the National Council on Aging, the top five scams affecting the elderly include government impersonation scams, sweepstakes and lottery scams, robocalls and phone scams, computer tech support scams, and the grandparent scam. Other common scams targeting older adults are romance scams, business imposter scams, and investor scams. More information on these scams can be found at TinleyPark.org/CrimePrevention.
The Tinley Park Police Department recommends not giving out sensitive personal information over the phone, via email, or on social media. This includes Social Security numbers, bank account information, credit card numbers, PINS, and passwords. It is also advised to regularly check incoming bills, such as utility bills, credit card statements, and bank statements, for any unauthorized charges. Protecting electronic accounts by utilizing multifactor authentication when possible is crucial. Additionally, do not transfer money to strangers or over the phone, and avoid buying gift cards to pay over the phone.
Residents should not panic if someone threatens them or pressures them to act immediately. Reflect on the message being relayed, especially if the caller claims to be law enforcement, as legitimate officers typically appear in person to question suspects.
If you believe you or someone you know has fallen victim to a scam, contact the Tinley Park Police Department at (708) 444-5300 immediately to ensure computer and electronic evidence is preserved. Scams can also be reported online to the Federal Trade Commission.
