The Inverness Police Department is alerting residents to a recent increase in scam activity targeting our community. Within the past week, three (3) Inverness residents have fallen victim to fraudulent schemes involving phone calls, credit card scams, and requests for gift card payments. In one case, a scammer even spoofed the Inverness Police Department's phone number to appear legitimate.
Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated and convincing. They often create a sense of urgency, fear, or excitement to pressure victims into acting before they have time to verify the information.
If you receive a suspicious phone call, email, or text message claiming to be from the Inverness Police Department and requesting money, gift cards, passwords, or personal or financial information, it should be treated as a scam. Residents should hang up and contact the Police Department directly at (847) 358-7766.
We encourage all residents to share this information with family members, friends, neighbors, and especially older adults who are often targeted by scammers. Community awareness is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent fraud.
If you believe you have been targeted by a scam or have questions about a suspicious phone call, email, or text message, please contact the Inverness Police Department at
(847) 358-7766 or police [at] inverness-il.gov (police[at]inverness-il[dot]gov) for assistance.
Stay safe and stay vigilant.
Please remember these important safety tips:
- Never purchase gift cards as a form of payment - to individuals, businesses, government agencies, or law enforcement organizations. Scammers frequently request gift cards because the funds are difficult to recover.
- Verify all unsolicited phone calls - If you receive a call claiming to be from your bank, credit card company, a government agency, or even the Police Department, hang up and contact the organization directly using a trusted phone number.
- Use trusted contact information only - When calling your credit card issuer, use the number printed on the back of your card. Do not rely on phone numbers provided in email, text messages, or unsolicited calls.
- Be cautious with emails, texts, and pop-ups - messages requesting personal or financial information. Even messages that appear legitimate may be fraudulent.
- Do not click suspicious links or call unfamiliar phone numbers - instead, go directly to the organization's official website or use a verified phone number found on their official billing or statement.
- Never share sensitive information - including account numbers, passwords, verification codes, or Social Security numbers with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
- Pause and verify - if something feels suspicious, confirm before taking any action.
Most Important: call 9-1-1 for ANY suspicious activity immediately!
Protecting our community requires all of us to work together. By staying informed, remaining cautious, and helping others recognize common scam tactics, we can reduce the likelihood that our residents become victims.