Scammers Mispronounce 'Hinsdale' In Wave Of Calls

HINSDALE, IL – Scammers are mispronouncing "Hinsdale" as "Hinesdale" in the latest wave of calls to residents, the police department said Monday.

That's an immediate indicator of fraudulent activity, police said.

The department said the fraudsters are using "voice over internet protocol" to contact Hinsdale residents, falsely claiming affiliation with law enforcement.

The callers try to deceive residents by claiming they owe money in legal matters, such as outstanding warrants, court judgments or missed jury duty, police said.

Residents are then pressured to make immediate payment to avoid arrest or other legal consequences, police said.

The police department said it would never make calls to request payment for any legal matters.

Here are the department's tips:

• Do not provide personal or financial information over the phone to unsolicited callers.
• Do not make payments based on phone demands.
• Verify any claims by contacting the police station at 630-789-7070