'Increasing Number' Of Scammers Posing As Police: Glenview PD

GLENVIEW, IL — Amid an increase in scam attempts by imposters posing as members of the Glenview Police Department, officials are warning residents to be alert when receiving these types of calls.

"Please help spread the word, especially to your elderly friends, neighbors and family members, who are often targeted in these sorts of scams," police said Tuesday.

According to GPD, residents have said the callers claim a family member is in custody and needs money to get out of jail or that they had missed a jury summons.

Here are a few examples from the most recent Glenview police blotter, published by Patch on Tuesday:

• A Larkdale Drive resident reported that at 1:56 p.m. July 11, they had received a phone call from a number that said "Village of Glenview" and a person that had identified themselves as a sergeant. He informed them that they failed to respond to a federal subpoena and appear to federal jury duty. He attempted to have them obtain a cashier’s check and respond to Village Hall. This was recognized to be a scam and they discontinued conversation.
• An Elm Street resident reported at 4:39 p.m. July 11, they head received a call from someone saying they were a Glenview police officer. They were told they had failed to respond to a federal subpoena and failed to appear for federal jury duty. They were told they needed to respond to the department for a signature verification and to bring a cashier’s check. They recognized this as a scam and refused to comply.
• A Terrace Lane resident reported at 4:32 p.m. July 11, they had been receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be with the Glenview Police Department. They accused them of buying pseudoephedrine and hydrochloric acid online. They said the DEA shutdown the shipment and reported the incident to Homeland Security Investigations, who opened a case against them. The caller provided them with their full name, address, and the full credit card number of a card that had not yet been activated.

"These types of calls are always scams," police said. "Police departments will never ask an individual to wire money, use Bitcoin, PayPal or provide gift cards for payment."

Police say if residents ever doubt the validity of a call from the police department, or any agency asking for money, they should hang up and call the police department directly at 847-729-5000.