Edgewood, IL – The Countryside Illinois Police Department has issued a warning following an attempted scam over printer repairs that almost cost an Edgewood resident $34,000.
According to reports, the victim sought technical support for their printer and contacted a number found online. On March 27, 2024, at 5:39 PM, they engaged with a fraudulent operator who convinced them to pay $350 for the service and provided sensitive personal and banking information. Unbeknownst to the victim, the scammer deposited $35,000 into their account, instructing the victim to withdraw the surplus amount of $34,650 and promising to collect it in person from their home.
As the victim proceeded to execute the withdrawal, a vigilant bank employee suspected a scam and took immediate action to prevent the transaction. The bank’s swift response included the termination of the transaction and the closure of all the victim’s accounts that were at risk, effectively thwarting the scam. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the sophistication of online fraud and the importance of safeguarding personal financial information. Community members are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.