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Police Impersonator Scam Targets Elderly on Near North Side, Cops Say

By Alex Parker | January 19, 2014 1:29pm
 Police warn of a scam where a person posing as a police officer forces victims to withdraw large sums of money from a bank.
Police warn of a scam where a person posing as a police officer forces victims to withdraw large sums of money from a bank.
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Getty Images/Keith Levit (file photo)

CHICAGO — Police are warning senior citizens on the Near North Side of a scam involving a person who poses as a police officer, then forces victims to withdraw money from a bank.

In two incidences, a person posing as a police officer calls an elderly victim, saying a relative has been arrested, and the victim needs to withdraw "a large sum of money" to help in the investigation, police said. A second person then meets the victim outside the bank or another location to pick up the money.

The suspects order the victim not to tell anyone about the plan, so as not to hinder the purported investigation.

Sometimes the suspects contact the victim again after receiving the money to get more, police said.

The suspects are described as black men. One is between the ages of 40 and 55, 5-foot-7 to 5-foot-10, weighing 170 to 180 pounds, with a medium complexion. The other is between 60 and 66, 5-foot-10, with a medium complexion and salt and pepper hair.

No law enforcement agency will ask for money in an investigation, police said, and advised residents to ask for identification if they are suspicious of someone claiming to be an officer.

Anyone with information should call the Financial Crimes Unit at 312-746-9661, referencing case numbers HW-549125 and HW-118263.