Palos Park Police Offer Double-Header Of Scam Seminars For Older Residents

PALOS PARK, IL—Millions of older Americans fall victim to phishing, smishing and vishing identity and finance scams every year. According to the FBI’s 2025 Elder Fraud Report, seniors lost $7.7 billion in online scams in 2025 alone, impacting over 200,000 victims, marking a 37 percent increase in complaints from 2024. .

To help older residents avoid becoming a victim of emerging crime trends, fraudulent tax schemes and identity theft, Palos Park police will host two scam seminars Tuesday, Aug. 4, coinciding with National Night Out. The scam seminars will take place at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Kaptur Administration Center, 8999 W 123rd St. The seminars are open to residents and non-residents alike. All ages are welcome.

Palos Park Officers Bob Kotsiana and Scott Van Wagner are 20-plus-year police veterans who have worked on many scam and fraud cases. They are eager to share their experience, knowledge and wisdom to help deter anyone from falling victim to ever-present scam artists.

Both officers will provide valuable information on current scam trends affecting individuals both locally and across the region. With scams continuing to impact so many people and costing victims thousands of dollars, education and awareness are critical in helping protect our residents.

These and other methods of identity fraud use your personal data or financial accounts to steal money, receive loans or services in your name, or commit other crimes. The officers will help you recognize the common signs of a scam and how to handle the situation.

Related:

- ID Theft Victim ‘Never Went To Sanford Brown University:' Palos Hills Police

- Palos Senior Tricked Into Sending $19K To Fake Bank Rep To Prove She Wasn't Engaged In Fraud

- Elderly Woman Loses Life Savings In Elaborate Financial Exploitation Scheme: Palos Hills Police

- Palos Hills Resident's Identity Stolen By Fake Bank Representative: Reports