84-Year-Old Palos Park Man Targeted In Fiber Optics Phone Scam

PALOS PARK, IL — An 84-year-old Palos Park resident was swindled out of $800 by a caller who claimed to be calling from AT&T fiber optics, police said.

The scammer asked the resident for personal information, such as his social security number, credit card details and login credentials, to resolve a supposed issue with his service.

The resident was able to get the charge cancelled by his credit card provider, Palos Park police said.
Key points to watch out for in a potential phone scam call:

• High-pressure tactics
• Requesting personal information, such as your Social Security number, credit card details or login credentials without a clear reason.
• Unfamiliar called ID
• Fake Urgency
• Asking you to pay with gift cards

AT&T won't call customers asking for their one-time PIN. If you suspect a scam call, hang up immediately. Call AT&T or whatever company the scammer claims to represent, and verify the call.