Scam alert!

A couple of years ago, a guy was arrested on Interstate 80 near Morris carrying 300 pounds of mail. “He trailed a mailman in Pennsyl-vania, taking the mail back out of the boxes,” Grundy County State's Attorney Sheldon Sobol noted Thursday. “He was going to go through the individuals' mailings and see who he could scam.” Sobol, State Representative Careen Gordon, D-Morris, and Mike Hughes of the Illinois Attorney General's office, Consumer Fraud Division, spoke during an informational senior fraud protection seminar at Saratoga Tower. The trio told of ways seniors can protect themselves from consumer crimes. “Mooch lists target those over 50 years old,” said Sobol. “This is because seniors can be lonely, and not up on the latest technology. Only share personal information with those who know you very well - your kids, accountant, banker, lawyer.” He warned against accepting and cashing checks received in the mail, in any amount, thus lessening chances of becoming a victim of fraud. “Fraud is someone reaching into your pocket while your head is turned and taking your money and/or identification,” he added. “Does this happen here in Grundy County? Absolutely.” Sobol told of a local investment broker who gained the trust of an elderly widow, then took her money on the pretext of investing her savings. The broker put her money in his pocket instead, and she lost about $100,000. “He got eight years in jail for it,” Sobol said. “But, we couldn't recover her money for her, or for the others he scammed.” Recalling the nephew with power-of-attorney over his elderly widowed aunt who scammed her of nearly $100,000, Sobol warned seniors to be most careful of whoever assists them with their finances. “The nephew spent his aunt's money on the gambling boats,” he said. “The nephew took advantage of his legal position with her.” Sobol cautioned against giving out personal information on the telephone. He told of the man who answered questions on the phone about his financial assets. The man's daughter went to stop the call, but ended up sharing her personal information with the caller, too, and was scammed. “Don't take these calls,” said Sobol. “You don't have to.” He warned against completing mailed questionnaires and submitting photo identification. He also cautioned against notices about “winning” the Spanish Lottery or Irish Sweepstakes. “It's just a way of getting into your bank account,” he said. “Some mailings are very official-appearing documents enticing you to enter for cash prizes. Then the fine print on the back defines it as a merchandise offer at $29.95.” Do the math, he urged, noting $29.95 isn't much. However, multiplied by 16 replies per day, for example, the scammer would collect about $480, or more than $3,000 per week. Mailed health insurance and hospital statements include a lot of personal information. Sobol said all statements should be torn in half, and one of the halves covered with coffee grounds in the garbage can. Alternate with the other half on a different day so the pieces cannot be put back together. All credit card applications and other unwanted mail should be destroyed the same way, he said. Lastly, Sobol advised a monthly check of credit card statements. Gordon noted identity fraud is the biggest scam in Illinois, nationwide, and worldwide. “It's something that's out there, all the time,” she said. Hughes told his audience to not be afraid, because they have rights as consumers and taxpayers. He also said people have to stay in control of everything they do. “If you panic, this leads to quick action. If you stay in control, you don't make mistakes,” he said. Hughes said U.S. citizens cannot legally play foreign lotteries. “Any time someone sends you money (via a check) in the mail, and asks for money in return, it's a scam,” he said. “Every time, without exception.” Hughes suggested residents list their telephone numbers on the federal Do Not Call list. Exceptions to the listing are existing business relationships, charities, and politicians. “If any one else calls, ask who they are, who they represent, and ask for their callback number. Then file a consumer fraud alert with the IAG's office, Consumer Fraud Division,” he said. “You're smart enough to know what you want, how to get it, and what to pay for it. You don't have to buy it on the phone from someone you don't know.” Senior communities are especially targeted by scam artists because seniors have readily available cash. “That's where the money is,” Hughes added. The IAG may be contacted at (312) 814-3000, or (217) 782-1090. For details on consumer fraud protection, contact Gordon's office at (815) 634-3096.