Remodel Dispute, Gift Card Scam: Elmhurst Cops

ELMHURST, IL – In the last few days, Elmhurst police handled cases involving a dispute with a carpenter, a gift card scam, theft, check fraud, a domestic disturbance and identity theft. Here is information from the latest Elmhurst police reports:

Dispute with carpenter

• A resident of the Atrium condo complex told police Monday that he hired a man to do a kitchen remodeling project, but no longer wanted him to complete the work. The resident gave the man an access key to the building, but the man refused to return it. The man turned over the key to the police department, which then gave it to the resident.

Gift card scam

• A resident in the 900 block of South Hillcrest Avenue told police that he believed his Facebook account had been hacked. He was convinced by a stranger that he needed to buy Sephora gift cards to fix the problem. The resident provided the caller with the gift card information. After that, the resident reported two fraudulent purchases made against his checking account. Gift cards are often used in scams.

Theft

• A resident of the Park Place of Elmhurst senior living complex told police that someone stole money from his wallet between Jan. 26 and Jan. 30.

Check fraud

• A resident in the 500 block of South Fairview Avenue told police Monday that she was waiting for a check from her bank, but never received it. Upon further investigation, she discovered the recipient's name was changed and that the check was fraudulently cashed.

Identity theft

• A resident in the 600 block of West Babcock Avenue told police Tuesday that someone used his personal information to fraudulently file IRS tax documents. An investigation is pending.

Domestic disturbance

• Police responded to a domestic disturbance about 11 p.m. Wednesday in the 800 block of South Poplar Avenue. A woman said she had an argument with a family member. Both people agreed to separate for the night.