Criminal actors target citizens in a relative fraud scheme in which they arrange for couriers to pick up bail money in person at the victim’s residence. Criminals telephonically contact their victims and pose as a family member in distress who has been arrested and needs bail money. They may also pose as a representative of the detained relative, such as an attorney or a bail-bondsman. Criminal actors then send couriers to collect the money in person from the victim’s residence. In some instances, ride share drivers are used to pick up the money.

Tips on how to protect yourself:

• If you receive a call from someone you feel is impersonating a loved one, hang up and call the person directly.

• Be careful what you post online. Scammers can use details shared on social media platforms and dating sites for targeting purposes.

• Be suspicious of telephone calls that require you to immediately take action and request bail money for a family member in distress. Contact the family member directly for confirmation.

• Be careful with caller IDs that look familiar. Scammers may use technology to disguise the actual number they are calling from (“spoof”) and make it appear as a trusted number.

• Never give personal identifiable information or money to anyone you have only communicated with by telephone or online.

If you believe you have been a victim of a grandparent fraud scheme, report the fraud to the Orland Park Police Department at: (708)349-4111

Learning how to recognize the red flags of a scam will help protect you from becoming a victim. Watch out for these common holiday phone scams:

Charity Scams:

Many people enjoy donating to charities during the holidays. But all too often, scammers take advantage of your generosity to solicit donations on behalf of phony charities. Be on the lookout for scammers who contact you via mail, phone, email, social media, or even door-to-door asking for donations.

Online Shopping Scams:

Shopping online is a quick and convenient way to order holiday gifts, but it also opens the door to the risk of fraud or identity theft. If you utilize online shopping, use a credit card instead of a debit card to deter fraud. Only shop from well-known and trusted online retailers and if a website looks unprofessional or suspicious, it should be avoided.

Delivery Notification Scams:

In recent years, there has been an increase in fake shipping notification emails attempting to steal consumers’ personal information. Scammers may pose as legitimate businesses such as FedEx or UPS and send an email with a hyperlink. When clicked, the link could download malware or spyware to the computer and steal information and passwords. Avoid clicking links from unknown sources.

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To learn more about recent scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s consumer website at www.ftc.gov.

Keep Valuables Hidden

Ask a neighbor to take in any packages that are delivered in your absence. Pretty wrapped gifts under the Christmas tree look nice, but is also an invitation for a burglar. Try to keep your Christmas tree, with gifts underneath, away from windows. When you aren’t home, it’s easy to break through a window and grab all of your gifts. Put valuables away and out of sight.

It Should Appear that Someone is Home

A simple timer can be added to lights in your home to make it appear as if someone is home and turning them on/off at different times during the evening. Curtains should be left the way they normally are kept so that nothing seems different to anyone who may be watching. Also, it is hard
for neighbors to notice any movement indoors and notify the police if curtains are closed.

Shop Smart

When holiday shopping this season, avoid showcasing any large amounts of cash when paying for goods. Doing so may attract the wrong kind of attention. Keep shopping bags out of view when leaving already purchased goods in vehicles while shopping. Park in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings when going to and from your car.

Think Before You Post

If you are planning to be away this holiday season, keep travel plans off social media networks. Never post where you are going, when you’re leaving, or when you will return. This is prime information for thieves who benefit when your house is unattended. Share vacation photos and posts when you return.

Notify A Neighbor

Notify a trusted neighbor of your travel plans. Ask the neighbor to keep an eye on your house and report any suspicious activity. You’ll also want this neighbor to keep your walkways cleared of snow and pick up your mail and newspapers while you are away.

Remove Your Spare Key

That plastic rock isn’t fooling anyone. If criminals figure out you’re away on vacation, it’s likely that he or she will check your porch for a spare key. So reach under the mat, into the mailbox, above the door frame or in the flower pot to remove your spare key before you leave.

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Scammers can strike at any time of the year, but it’s especially important to be vigilant around the holiday season.