Arlington Heights police recently filed two cases of scams that were attempted against Arlington Heights victims.
An 82-year-old male complainant received a telephone call from a subject claiming to be his grandson. The fake grandson explained he was arrested for DUI in Orlando, FL and needed $1,420 to be wired for his bond. He also told the complainant his lawyer would be contacting him because the grandson’s cell phone was taken away. The second call was from a subject claiming to be they lawyer and he gave instructions on how to complete a MoneyGram transaction. The potential victim withdrew cash from the bank and went to a Walmart in Palatine. The employees advised the potential victim the transaction was suspicious and declined to wire the money. The complainant was able to contact his real grandson who was not in Florida and had not been arrested.
In a second scam attempt, a 79-year-old female complainant received a telephone call from a subject claiming to be Michael Cooper. He stated her name and address and asked her to confirm the information. He advised her she had won $1,000 from USA Publishing Clearing House and gave her the winning claim number. She was told someone would be dropping off the check but she should not tell anyone about it. The complainant contacted the police, who then called the number left by the offender. The subject on the phone hung up immediately.
Anyone having information about this or any other serious crime in Arlington Heights should submit an anonymous text tip by texting the keyword 847AHPD and your message to 847411(tip411) or call Arlington Heights Crime Stoppers at (847) 590-STOP. Callers are guaranteed anonymity and may qualify for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
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