Resident Loses $56K In Computer Scam; 321K Airline Miles Stolen: Northbrook Blotter

NORTHBROOK, IL — The following information comes from the Northbrook Police Department and court records as a record of incidents reported to police and those arrested on criminal charges, which represent accusations by the state and are often dropped or reduced. Updated information may be available from the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court. Everyone arrested is presumed to be innocent unless found guilty in court beyond a reasonable doubt.

COMPUTER SCAM

A resident in the 2800 block of Brindle Court reported July 2 that a message appeared on their computer claiming the device had a virus and directing them to call a telephone number.

The resident called and gave the person who answered remote access to the computer. The person was then able to view the resident’s bank records and instructed the resident to make cash withdrawals totaling $56,450.

The resident met with several people and handed over the money before realizing it was a scam.

AIRLINE MILES STOLEN

A resident in the 2500 block of Asbury Avenue reported July 6 that someone hacked into their American Airlines account and stole 321,460 miles, which were redeemed for various gift cards.

The resident did not know how the account had been accessed.

STOLEN CHECK

A company employee in the 300 block of Era Drive reported July 7 that several checks had been mailed through the U.S. Postal Service.

One check was stolen in transit, altered to name a different payee and cashed in the St. Louis area for $14,110.

FAKE FBI CALL

A resident in the 700 block of Samson Way reported July 9 that a caller claiming to work for the FBI said fraud had occurred on the resident’s account and instructed the resident to move money.

The resident withdrew $9,000 after following the caller’s directions. The caller said an agent would be sent to the resident’s home to collect the money.

The resident became suspicious and requested proof that the person was a law enforcement officer, prompting the caller to hang up.

COMPUTER HACKING

A business in the 2500 block of Windsor Lane reported July 10 that an employee inadvertently clicked on an unfamiliar email.

The business owners believed someone gained access to company files and redirected deliveries to an unknown address. They also discovered an unauthorized purchase order for $854.93.

The delivery driver told the owners they did not know who had directed the shipment to the other location.

VENMO ACCOUNT HACKED

A resident in the 1400 block of Juli-Lyn Lane reported July 7 that someone hacked into their Venmo account and stole $1,900.

The resident said the account was accessed despite having two-factor authentication enabled.

EMAIL GIFT-CARD SCAM

An employee at a business in the 500 block of Skokie Boulevard reported July 6 that they received emails and text messages that appeared to come from their manager.

The sender instructed the employee to purchase gift cards without telling coworkers. The employee bought $1,000 worth of cards and provided the card numbers before realizing it was a scam.

ONLINE MARKETPLACE SCAM

A resident in the 200 block of Carter Court reported July 16 that they agreed to purchase a car part advertised for $150 on Facebook Marketplace.

After the resident sent the money electronically, the seller refused to send the part and the profile appeared to be fraudulent.

IDENTITY THEFT

A resident in the 1500 block of Walters Avenue reported July 16 that a bank representative called to say someone had used the resident’s information to open an account.

The person was reportedly attempting to cash an IRS check issued in the resident’s name. The resident told the bank and the IRS that they had not authorized anyone to open an account or use their identity.

FELONY THEFT

Jennifer A. Fritze, of Arlington Heights, was arrested July 15 in the 2100 block of Shermer Road and charged with felony theft.

Police said Fritze stole large amounts of cash over several months from a storage business where she worked. She allegedly encouraged customers to pay cash when renting storage units and then kept the money.

Fritze was assigned a July 17 court date.

RETAIL THEFT

Loss-prevention employees at a store in the 100 block of Skokie Boulevard reported July 11 that they found an empty package of men’s underwear on the floor.

A review of surveillance video reportedly showed a woman removing three pairs of briefs from the package and placing them in her purse July 7. Employees also saw the same woman steal Madden-brand shoes July 6.

The combined value of the merchandise was $64.94.

In a separate incident, employees at a store in the 100 block of Skokie Boulevard reported July 6 that surveillance footage from June 11 showed a man place three bottles of fragrance, men’s clothing and a wallet inside a bag for sale before leaving without paying.

The merchandise was valued at $103.95.

A manager at a store in the 1000 block of Waukegan Road reported July 9 that two people entered with a small child and a diaper bag, walked to the cosmetics section and left with $472.89 worth of merchandise.

ROAD RAGE DAMAGE

A driver reported July 10 that while traveling near Shermer and Willow roads, they saw a person in a gray truck yelling at another motorist.

The truck driver then pulled alongside the complainant, yelled at them and threw objects at their vehicle, cracking the windshield before speeding away.

CYCLIST KICKS VEHICLE

A driver reported July 13 that while stopped at a red light near Walters Avenue and Waukegan Road, a cyclist rode around the vehicle, began yelling and kicked the car.

The bicycle rider fled south on Waukegan Road. The vehicle was left with a dent and scratch.

DRIVER FOLLOWS MOTORIST

A driver reported July 15 that they honked at another motorist who failed to stop at a stop sign near Lake Cook Road and Skokie Boulevard.

The other driver allegedly began yelling and followed the complainant. When the complainant stopped, the driver got out, banged on the complainant’s door and attempted to open it.

The person fled after the complainant called 911.

DENT-REPAIR SCAM

A driver reported July 2 that after parking a Lexus at a business in the 100 block of Skokie Boulevard, they returned and found fresh damage to the driver’s-side quarter panel.

A person then approached and offered repair services while claiming to work for a dent-repair company. The driver believed the person had caused the damage as part of a scam and left before contacting police.

FOOD THROWN AT HOUSE, VEHICLE

A resident in the 1200 block of Ridge Road reported July 16 that someone threw food products at their home and a vehicle parked outside.

LIGHT-FIXTURE CAP STOLEN

Northbrook Public Works employees reported July 13 that someone stole a decorative cap from a public light fixture near Lorenz Drive and Shermer Road.

Employees believed the cap was taken sometime between July 10 and July 11.

METHAMPHETAMINE POSSESSION

Keith Horvath was arrested July 2 at a hardware store in the 1000 block of Willow Road after officers learned a person inside had active Cook County warrants.

Police said Horvath initially provided a false name, but officers found identification confirming his identity. After taking him into custody, officers reportedly found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Horvath was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and obstructing identification. He was transferred to the Cook County Jail on the outstanding warrants.

ORDER-OF-PROTECTION VIOLATION

Ray Krepak, of Northbrook, was arrested July 2 in the 600 block of Gregg Road and charged with violating an order of protection.

Police said the order prohibited Krepak from being intoxicated at the residence. Officers reportedly found him intoxicated and sitting outside the home.

Krepak was assigned a July 30 court date.

WARRANT ARREST

Angel Flores-Najera, of Evanston, was arrested July 8 near Lake Cook and Avon roads after officers responded to check on a man sleeping on a retaining wall.

Officers learned Flores-Najera had an active Cook County warrant for failing to appear in court on a disorderly conduct charge. He was transported to the Cook County Jail.

SUSPENDED DRIVER’S LICENSE

Christian Castro Gomez, of Grayslake, was arrested July 8 near Dundee Road and Skokie Boulevard and charged with driving with a suspended license.

He was assigned an Aug. 5 court date.

Scott N. Jaffe, of Wheeling, was arrested July 8 near Dundee and Landwehr roads and charged with driving with a suspended license and having a defective registration light.

He was assigned an Aug. 20 court date.

Michael S. Tobin, of Wheeling, was arrested July 9 near Dundee Road and Downing Street and charged with driving with a suspended license, suspended registration and operating an uninsured vehicle.

He was assigned an Aug. 20 court date.

Saamir Husain, of Lincolnwood, was arrested July 9 near Willow Road and Patriot Boulevard and charged with driving with a suspended license.

He was assigned an Aug. 5 court date.

SUSPENDED REGISTRATION

Larry Gibson Jr., of Markham, was arrested July 13 near Dundee and Midway roads and charged with suspended registration and operating an uninsured vehicle.

He was assigned an Aug. 5 court date.

Lauren B. Alcazar, of Deerfield, was arrested July 14 near Bordeaux Drive and Sanders Road and charged with suspended registration and operating an uninsured vehicle.

She was assigned an Aug. 5 court date.d

LAST BLOTTER: $39K Watch Stolen From Fitness Center Locker