Victim Loses Thousands To Gift Card Phone Scam In Glen Ellyn

GLEN ELLYN, IL — Police are investigating a phone scam that recently cost a Glen Ellyn resident thousands of dollars. The caller, who targeted the resident on Jan. 26, pretended to be a family member in need of financial help, according to police.

Police say the caller convinced the victim to purchase gift cards from Home Depot and provide them with the activation codes. The resident later determined the call was a scam. The total estimated loss was $6,000.

Fraud experts say these types of calls have become increasingly common. The callers often target elderly victims and may even appear to be calling from a number in your contacts, a technique called "spoofing."

If you have any information about this incident, contact Glen Ellyn Police at 630-469-1187.

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