APD Warns Of Scammers Spoofing Non-Emergency Phone Number

AURORA, IL — The Aurora Police Department received a report of scammers making calls that appear to come from the department, officials said Thursday.

Police said phone scams typically follow the same formula:

• They impersonate a trusted agency, business or official.
• They create fear or urgency with claims involving identity theft, arrest warrants, unpaid fines or compromised accounts.
• They try to keep you on the phone and pressure you to act immediately.
• They ask for personal information, account details or payment — often through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers or payment apps.

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"Caller ID can be manipulated, so even if the correct APD number appears on your screen, that does not mean the call is legitimate," police said.

Officials urged the community to never share personal or financial information or make a payment during an unsolicited call.

If someone receives a call from a number appearing to belong to APD, they should hang up and dial the department's non-emergency number, 630-256-5000, to verify the call.

"Do not accept a transfer, use a number provided by the caller or simply redial the incoming number," police said.