Police say bank employees helped thwart a scammer who claimed to be from the FBI and almost tricked a Huntley resident into transferring all of their money to them.
The Huntley Police Department received a report on Wednesday regarding a victim from an attempted financial fraud.
Huntley Deputy Police Chief Michael Klunk said that the victim had been contacted on the phone by a person claiming to be from the FBI.
The subject told the victim they were the primary suspect in an investigation involving money laundering and drug trafficking.
The scammer instructed the victim to go to the bank and withdraw all of her funds after claiming that her social security number had been compromised and other bank accounts were opened in her name.
“Bank employees aware of the victim’s circumstances, became suspicious and contacted the Huntley Police Department to meet with the victim,” Klunk said.
Officers were speaking with the victim when she received a call from a subject claiming to be from the Huntley Police Department. The woman’s phone even displayed Huntley Police Department’s actual phone number on the caller ID.
The officer at the scene answered the call and identified himself and the scammer hung up. The victim did not release any personal identification or funds to the suspect, Klunk said.
The suspect’s voice was described as being a male with a Middle Eastern accent.
The Huntley Police Department thanked the employees of the First National Bank for their quick intervention and assistance.
“Residents are reminded to be aware of such scams in which funds are being requested to be withdrawn. No legitimate law enforcement agency will require funds to be transferred or moved via a telephone conversation,” Klunk said.
“Anytime unsolicited financial or personal information is requested, always seek assistance from a reputable known contact to investigate the matter,” he added.