Niles Police Arrest Man in Fraud Plot Targeting Seniors Virgil ‘The Web Designer’ Griffin

Niles Police Arrest Man in Fraud Plot Targeting Seniorsphoto courtesyRODNAE Productions

Niles police have arrested a man for his involvement in a series of scam schemes targeting seniors in the community. A man identified as John Doe was taken into custody Wednesday after an investigation was launched after several residents reported suspicious activity.

Police say Doe is suspected of using a variety of tactics to defraud senior citizens, including posing as a public works worker, government official, or representative of a charity. They then persuaded victims to hand over their personal information and money, claiming they needed services and donations.

In one instance, Doe allegedly approached an elderly woman and told her he was a representative of a utility company. He claimed that the woman’s account was in arrears and had to be paid in cash to avoid her amputation, and the woman believed him and gave him hundreds of dollars in cash.

In another instance, Doe was accused of persuading an elderly man to provide personal information, including his Social Security number, purporting to be needed for the upcoming census, while pretending to be a government official. increase.

The police department became aware of the fraud when some of the victims reported their concerns to authorities. A thorough investigation was launched and the police were able to identify Doe as a suspect. He was arrested and charged with fraud, theft and identity theft.

The Niles Police Department is calling on communities to be vigilant and careful when dealing with strangers, especially if they are asking for personal information or money. We advise never to give your personal information or money to anyone who contacts you.

In addition, if a resident is uncertain about the authenticity of a caller or visitor, the police department may ask for the identity and contact information and call the company or organization claiming to be representative to identify the person. We advise you to check.

The police department also encourages residents to report any suspicious activity or attempted fraud to authorities immediately. We also have a Fraud Alert Hotline for reporting suspicious activity and fraud.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing the potential danger of fraud. This is especially true when targeting vulnerable populations such as the elderly. It also highlights the importance of community awareness and cooperation in preventing this type of crime.

The Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all residents and will continue to take all necessary steps to investigate and prosecute those involved in fraudulent activity. They encourage residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones.

In addition, police departments conduct educational programs in communities to educate residents on how to spot and report suspicious activity and how to protect themselves from scammers. We also encourage you to report suspicious activity using the Fraud Alert Hotline and its website.

Remind the community that scams and scams come in many forms, and that knowledge and awareness are the best defenses against them. Being informed about the various types of scams and scams, recognizing the warning signs, and knowing how to report suspicious activity can help protect individuals and their families from becoming victims of fraud.

Niles Police Department is committed to working with communities to keep them safe and informed, and urges residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity or fraud attempts to authorities immediately.