Thursday Blotter: 90-Year-Old Nearly Scammed

Elderly nearly scammed

A woman called the Skokie Police Department to inform them of an attempted scam involving her 90-year-old mother on Jan. 20.  The victim told police that her mother received a phone call from an unknown person saying he was her grandson. The suspect went on to say that he was involved in a car accident in Barcelona, Spain and needed $2,500 to pay for damages and return home, the report said.

The culprit also told the victim to keep their conversation a “secret” from other family members.

Fortunately, the senior called her daughter who would then call police. No money was exchanged, according to the report.

Counterfeit fit

A man tried purchasing several tobacco products with several counterfeit bills at Tobacco Outlet, 4848 Dempster St., on Jan. 21. When the business owner denied his currency, the subject became upset, and fled the store with his money, the report said.

Hanging purse leads to stolen wallet

A woman reported her wallet stolen after dinning at Panera Bread, 9611 Skokie Blvd., on Jan. 19. According to the report, the victim left her purse hanging on the back of her chair while eating. She soon realized her wallet was missing and that $1,700 was charged to her credit card at a nearby Best Buy.

Police are advising woman to stop hanging their purses on the back of chairs.

Stolen dryer

Police responded to a theft in the 8700 block of Kimball Avenue on Jan. 19. According to the report, a Whirlpool dryer valued at around $200 was stolen from a basement common area. There has been a recent spike in stolen metals in Skokie.