Arlington Heights police received a report of a well-known scam known as the Grandmother Scam or Grandparent Scam. Police received a report that an Arlington Heights resident and potential victim received a call from a subject claiming to be her grandson “Steve”. He explained he needed $3,800 wired to Florence, Italy where he was involved in an accident. He stated his nose was broken and that was why his voice was not recognized by his grandmother. She called her daughter and discovered her grandson was fine and in Chicago. The caller called again and identified himself as “Steve Laken” which is the wrong last name. The complainant hung up knowing the call was part of a scam. Caller ID showed the call was made from a calling card with a number out of Florida. No funds were lost.
The potential victim lives in the 1100 Block of E. Campbell Street.
The crime is reported to have occurred Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011 between 9:00am-12:20pm.
The Grandmother Scam or Grandparent Scam is a common scam. There are a variety of fictitious scenarios that are schemed up with different claimed locations and countries, a variety of reasons why the money is needed, and a variety of amounts.
Anyone having information about this or any other serious crime in Arlington Heights should submit an anonymous text tip by texting the keyword 847AHPD and your message to 847411(tip411) or call Arlington Heights Crime Stoppers at (847) 590-STOP. Callers are guaranteed anonymity and may qualify for a cash reward of up to $1,000.