Oak Forest Sees Uptick In Scams, How To Avoid: Police

OAK FOREST, IL — The Oak Forest Police Department is warning residents about a number of scams reported lately. According to the department, unemployment fraud is one of them.

The following is a list and explanation of the most common scams reported to the department, shared by the City of Oak Forest:

Unemployment Fraud: The most common identity theft fraud reported to the Oak Forest Police Department. It is not necessary to file a police report as you can notify the Illinois Department of Unemployment Security here, who will investigate the claim.

Phishing Scams — The department said these emails will often appear authentic from Facebook, Google, or any other common website or company asking you to verify your account, but if you look closely you can often see errors in spelling or the email address it is sent from. It is important to remember government agencies, law enforcement, and utility companies will not contact you via text message or email to gather information from you or collect payment. The scammers will often have a foreign accent and be very demanding often threatening arrest for tax fraud, child trafficking, drug trafficking, or other serious offenses. These scammers will demand payment often through gift cards to Target, Walmart, or Best Buy and will force the victim to stay on the phone while purchasing the gift cards.

The department said if someone is demanding a payment, especially through gift cards, it's a scam.

Computer Virus Scam — According to the department, online scammers will pop up a Virus notice on your computer or tablet and demand payment or access to your computer to restore access to your computer. The hackers will often have you call a phone number that will demand payment often through gift cards. If this occurs shut the windows down and turn off your computer, and bring it to a professional.

Illinois Department of Transportation Scam — According to the department, text messages are being sent to phone numbers with a link provided to verify personal information later used for identity theft purposes. Ignore and delete the message.

Gypsy Scams — Gypsy scams mostly target the elderly and often occur when the offenders come to a residence uninvited and purport to be some type of utility or construction worker stating they need access to a part of the property (often the backyard) as a distraction technique while other persons burglarize the residence. It is important to verify these workers' identities, either by calling the company verifying the work or calling the police department to respond before allowing access to your property.

Online Shopping/Marketplace — While shopping online and making a large purchase (vehicle, animal, electronics) make sure to verify the retailer or individual selling the item(s) as legitimate. Many vehicles sold online are stolen with retagged VINs making them appear legitimate. Remember, if it seems too good to be true it probably is. Also, remember the Oak Forest Police Department has an Internet Purchase Exchange Zone in front of the police department for safe person to person exchanges. If an online buyer or seller is unwilling to exchange at the police station, it should be considered a red flag and proceed with caution.

The city asks residents to share and discuss these tips with elderly family members and neighbors as they are most often victims of fraud. Remember to regularly check your credit report and statements for fraudulent activity, the city said.

If you think you have been the victim of identity theft, fraud, or have questions, call the Oak Forest Police Department at (708) 687-1376.