Ruse Burglars Continue to Target Mt. Greenwood Seniors

Morgan Park Police Dist. 22 is once again warning residents of a con game being carried out against senior citizens.

Offenders claiming to work for the water department talked their way into elderly victims’ homes on four separate instances, Feb. 5, 12, 21, and March 12, police said.

Once inside, the offenders distracted the victims, allowing them to steal various items from within.

The two male white subjects are approximately 45-55 years old, between 5-foot-6 and 5-foot-10, and 160–200 pounds. Both suspects were last seen driving a black pickup truck.

Other possible scams include:

• False Auto Accident: one offender claims to have hit the victim's garage, while the victim is looking in the alley, another offender burglarizes the residence.

• Bank Investigations: offender poses as bank agent and attempts to exploit

• Currency Prize Winner: victim has to pay "Registration or Processing Fee" to collect winnings.

• Pigeon Drop: offender promises larger sum in exchange for "Good Faith Currency."

Police offer the following safety tips, which can be shared with elderly neighbors and family members:

• Always ask for identification from strangers who claim to be representatives of organizations or utility companies.

• Contact 311 to ensure that work is being done in your community before allowing entry.

• Call a neighbor, a friend, a relative, or 9-1-1 if strangers appear at your door asking for you to come outside, or be allowed in your house.

• Do not leave your home unattended or unsecured at any time.

If you have any information about this incident, call the call the Chicago Police Financial Crimes Unit at 312-746-9661. Reference RD# HX-140267, HX-148779.