Palos Park Woman Gets Calls From 'Police Chief,' Says She's Wanted For Money Laundering

PALOS PARK, IL—A Palos Park resident went to the police station to report that she had received several calls from the police chief saying that she was wanted for money laundering.

“The caller spoofed our number and was used by a scammer saying the victim was suspected of laundering money,” said Chief Joe Miller, of the Palos Park Police Department. “She was told to pay up to avoid arrest.”

Miller said the woman, who is in her seventies, is very involved in the community. She recognized immediately that it was a scam.

“She knows me, we’ve talked a million times,” the police chief said. “They started calling over the weekend and today. They were unrelenting.”

Miller is alerting the community that the police department’s number was spoofed and to not answer if they get a call from “Chief Joe Miller” unless they’re expecting a call from him or the Palos Park police.

“We're seeing an uptick in scam calls from people impersonating police, sheriff's deputies, and federal agents,’” Miller said. “While the story changes—a warrant, missed jury duty, unpaid citations—the goal is always the same: scare you into paying up fast.”

“Scammers can also 'spoof' phone numbers, making it appear as if we’re calling you when we’re not,” the chief said. “They can obtain personal information from a variety of sources. Just because a caller knows your name, bank information or other personal details does not mean the caller is legitimate.”

Should you receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to be with the Palos Park Police Department, do not provide any personal or financial information, and then call 911.

“Our officers won’t be calling you about outstanding warrants, missed jury duty, unpaid citations, and other legal matters requiring payment,” Miller said.