The Lombard Police Department is warning residents to stay alert after recent cases of scams affecting members of our community. Scammers use various tactics—such as phone calls, emails, text messages, and social media—to target individuals and steal personal information or money.
These criminals often pose as government agencies, utility companies, or trusted organizations to appear legitimate.
Staying informed and cautious is the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming a victim.
Recognize Red Flags
You might be dealing with a scammer if they:
- Contact you unexpectedly. Be cautious if you receive unsolicited emails, texts, calls, or messages asking for money or personal information.
- Pretend to be someone you trust. Scammers often impersonate government officials, businesses, or even people you know. Don’t rely on caller ID to confirm their identity.
- Pressure you to act quickly. Scammers use urgency, such as threats or limited time offers, to make you rush into decisions.
- Play on your emotions. Scammers manipulate emotions like fear, sympathy, or excitement to influence your actions.
- Demand specific payment methods. Scammers may insist on payment via cryptocurrency, wire transfers, payment apps, or gift cards.
Use the STOP Method to Stay Ahead of Scammers
Follow these steps to protect yourself:
- Stay cautious: Always be alert when someone asks for personal information or money.
- Take your time: Don’t let anyone rush you into making decisions. Think carefully before acting.
- Only trust verified sources: Independently verify claims through official channels.
- Protect your information: Never share sensitive details unless you’re confident about who you’re dealing with.
Additional Ways to Protect Your Information
- Use fingerprint, facial recognition, or voice ID for banking apps.
- Create strong, unique passwords for each account.
- Enable two-factor authentication, such as receiving a code via text or email.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi for online banking or shopping.
Common Scams to Watch Out For
- Business and Job Opportunity Scams: Fake job offers may require upfront payments or send you fraudulent checks. A legitimate employer will never ask for advance payments or request you to return funds from a check.
- Impersonation Scams: Scammers may pose as trusted companies, such as USAA or utility providers, using official-looking phone numbers or emails. Be wary if they claim there’s an issue with your account. Never provide sensitive information or click on suspicious links.
- Investment Scams: Scammers may earn your trust through friendly interactions before encouraging you to invest in cryptocurrency, real estate, or stocks. Once you invest, they disappear with your money.
- Romance Scams: Fraudsters create fake profiles on dating apps or social media to build emotional connections. After gaining your trust, they may request money for fabricated emergencies.
- Tech Support Scams: A pop-up may claim your device is infected, or you might receive a call from a "tech support" representative. They’ll ask for remote access to your computer and use it to steal information, install harmful software, or charge you for fake services.
For a full list of common scams, please refer to the FBI’s Common Scams webpage.
Report Scams
If you suspect you have encountered a scam, report it to the Lombard Police Department at 630-873-4400 or police@villageoflombard.org.