Police: Safety Alert

Scam Alert

Over the past several weeks there has been a sharp increase in Hoffman Estates residents being victimized by what is commonly referred to as “Nigerian Scams.” In each case the victim is contacted by the offender who earns their trust by offering a monetary reward for their cooperation, providing a hard luck story, or by posing as a potential date. In each case the victim is convinced by the offender to deposit money orders or cashier’s checks into their bank account and wire the funds to a foreign country most often Nigeria, England or Canada.

The victim is later contacted by their bank and advised that the cashier’s check or money order they had deposited was counterfeit and they are liable for repaying the bank for the amount that was wired to the foreign country. It has also become more prevalent for offenders to contact the victim after they have placed an expensive item for sale on the internet. The offender arranges to purchase the item at or near the sellers asking price with very little negotiating. The offender then advises the seller that a cashier’s check or money order in an amount exceeding the agreed upon sale price will be sent to them. The seller is instructed to wire the excess amount to the buyer at which time arrangements to pick up the item will be made.

In these incidents the seller wires the money to a location outside of the country and is later contacted by their bank and advised that they are liable for repaying the bank for the amount that was wired to the foreign country because the cashier’s check or money order was counterfeit. Several victims reported being told by their financial institution that the money order or cashier’s check was valid at the time it was deposited but was subsequently found to be counterfeit.

The losses sustained by Hoffman Estates residents generally fall between $2,000 and $5,000 but have been as high as $10,000. If you need immediate assistance please call 911.

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Learn more on scams

Anyone having or needing more information? Please call or E-mail Det. Ouimette at 847-882-1818.