Crime & Safety
Skokie Scam Alert: Callers Use Police Number To Solicit Cash
Skokie police are warning residents of a phone scam. Here's how to recognize the scam and what to do.
SKOKIE, IL — You may get a call from the Village of Skokie, police say, but they will not ask you for money. Recent reports say residents have been getting strange calls lately, and police are warning them of the scam.
The number shows up on caller ID reading "Villageof Skokie" (note the lack of a space) and show the police department's phone number.
Callers have solicited money, asked about immigration status, insisted on installing potentially malicious software on your computer and tried to force residents into making payments with credit or gift cards.
Find out what's happening in Skokiefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The scammers are using a number cloning technique to get caller ID to read the police department's number.
Police say if you believe a call might be a scam, ask for the officer's name and then hang up. Then, dial 847-982-5900 and ask to speak with that officer.
Find out what's happening in Skokiefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Never give any personal information to unknown callers.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
