Crime & Safety

Police Warn About Scams

DGPD warns to keep aware to a few different scams

From the website:

The advises residents to be aware of the following scams that are periodically reported. 

“Loved One in Trouble” Phone Scam

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This scam usually targets senior citizens. The caller will impersonate either the grandchild of the victim, or claim to be a person in a position of authority such as a police officer, medical profesional or an attorney. The caller claims the grandson or granddaughter of the victim is in desperate need of  money to get out of jail or some type of other trouble. The scammer will convince their victim that they need money quickly, and the victim complies in order to help their grandchild. NEVER send money to anyone on the telephone claiming there is an urgent emergency - ALWAYS check it out first.

Jury Duty Warrant

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In this scam, the offender is trying to steal the identity of the victim. The caller identifies themselves as an officer of the court and tells the victim that they failed to appear for jury duty and an arrest warrant has been issued by the court. The scammer offers to "cancel" the warrant if the victim provides pertainent information such as their social security number. This information is used to steal the identity of the victim. You would never be contacted by the court system and instructed how to "cancel" an arrest warrant; and no court official would ask for your social security number over the phone.

Email Scams

The victim receives an e-mail that says they've won a sweepstakes or lottery prize. In order to claim this prize, you must pay the taxes or a handling fee by wiring a sum of money. Remember, you should not have to pay any fees or taxes to claim a prize - EVER. NEVER wire money, cash checks for unknown businesses, or respond to suspicious e-mails.

Remember, when in doubt, contact the police department at (630) 434-5600 for assistance.


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