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July 27, 2011 - The Vernon Hills Police Department would like to urge residents to be extremely careful when people call on the phone. Recently, several elderly residents were contacted by a con artist. As soon as the victim answered the phone, the caller would say, “Grandma?” (or “Grandpa,” if a male answered the phone). If the victim believed the caller was their grandson, the caller would tell the victim that he was in an accident in (or the or wherever) and needed $3,000 to $4,000 for medical bills or to get out of jail. This scam has been around for many, many years, but now seems to be making a comeback.
Again, we urge caution when answering the phone. Thieves can get phone numbers from any sort of resource. If you aren’t sure if the caller is who they say they are, ask them a question only the real caller would know, or tell them that you’ll call them right back at a number you already know/have.
If you feel you have been a victim of this scam, or any other scam, please contact the Vernon Hills Police Department Crime Prevention Unit at (847) 247-4889.
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