This morning (Friday July 25th), Management at Malibu Condominium Association was contacted by Officer Varela of the Chicago Police Department regarding one of their senior residents who has become a victim of fraud.

According to their community manager Atica Kalamperovic, CPD report this is the ninth victim in this area within the past week.

She shared this with our Sheridan Corridor Manager’s group, indicating that the Chicago Police Department asked that we alert  residents—especially seniors—not to share any personal information such as your full name, date of birth, or Social Security numbers with anyone over the phone.

Officer Varela shared with them that recent scams have involved individuals falsely claiming to represent the following entities:

• Medicare – offering assistance with benefits
• Banks
• Social Security Administration
• State of Illinois
• Illinois Tollway – citing unpaid tolls
• City of Chicago – alleging unpaid tickets

In one case, a victim at a nearby building has reported being scammed out of a 6 FIGURE sum.

Please be aware: CPD has confirmed that these agencies do not contact individuals by phone to request personal information. Any legitimate communication will come through official letters sent by US Mail.

They recommend that you do not respond to phone calls, texts, or emails from anyone claiming to represent these or other similar agencies. If you receive such a call and believe it may be legitimate, hang up and call the agency directly using an official phone number—not the number provided during the call.

Very special thanks to Atica Kalamperovic at Malibu for bringing this to our attention.