Arlington Heights Police: Woman Scammed of More Than $5,000

Arlington Heights police are warning the public to be wary of phone scams after an incident involving an 82-year-old woman.

The woman received a phone call from a man claiming he was her grandson. The man told her he needed money because he was involved in an accident in Florida in which the unborn child of the other driver was killed.

Police stated that a second person called claiming to be a lawyer representing the other driver in the accident. The individual told the woman that all chargers would be dropped if she wired money. The woman was told to wire the funds through Western Union to Bonao, Dominican Republic because of tax breaks.

The woman sent two wires on Dec. 6 and two wires on Dec. 7 for a total loss of more than $5,000. The woman later called her daughter and realized she was being scammed.

Police said that anyone receiving this type of phone call should obtain as much information about the call and caller. Also, people should call their family members and verify that they are home and were not involved in an accident.

Police said that no money should be sent and such incidents should be reported to the police department.