Plainfield Police Warn Residents Of Increase In Financial Scams

PLAINFIELD, IL — Plainfield police are warning locals of an increase in reports of online and financial fraud, officials said Monday.

Incidents often involve suspects posing as representatives of banks, utility companies or other legitimate businesses to deceive victims into sending money. Police said the scams often begin with an unsolicited phone call or email.

Police shared these common scam methods:

• Withdrawing cash and depositing it into a cryptocurrency ATM using a provided QR code. These ATMs are commonly located in local gas stations and convenience stores.
• Purchasing multiple gift cards, scratching off the back and sending photos of the card numbers.
• Initiating large wire transfers. Such transactions should be reserved for legitimate purposes, such as real estate transactions conducted under the guidance of a licensed attorney.
• Transferring money through payment apps to unknown individuals.
• Requests for donations to alleged police unions or similar organizations.

Officials also outline common tactics used by scammers.

• Remaining on the phone and coaching victims on what to say to bank employees to avoid detection.
• Making threats related to outstanding traffic tickets, unpaid tolls, arrest or financial loss.
• Claiming the victim's money is needed to assist in catching a criminal within a bank.
• Instructing victims not to inform family members or friends.
• Requesting passwords under the pretense of verifying accounts.
• Asking for remote access to a victim's computer.
• Directing victims to download private messaging applications.

No legitimate organization will ask someone to withdraw money from a bank account or send it through unconventional methods, police said. Officials urged any residents receiving similar phone calls to hang up right away.

Anyone who believes they may be the target of a scam should contact the Plainfield Police Department at 815-436-2341 to verify the legitimacy of a request before sending any money.

Police said these scams often target elderly individuals, but the department urged all residents to be on guard and share the information with friends and family to help prevent further victimization.