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1. I received a phone call from someone identifying himself/herself as an IRS agent or US Marshall saying I owe taxes and will be arrested. What do I do?

The IRS or US Marshall will NEVER contact you via telephone and tell you that you are going to be arrested over taxes owed nor will a Rolling Meadows Police Officer come to your door and arrest you for not paying taxes. Federal authorities have said an IRS agent will never call consumers; an alert on back taxes would come in the mail from the IRS. If you do receive this mail contact the IRS directly and not the number in the letter because it also could be a scam. Check out our Facebook and YouTube page for information and videos of actual scam calls.

2. I received a voice mail message telling me I do not get a trial and I have to call the IRS agent back. What do I do?

This is a message the scammer will use to get you to call him or her back. Once you call the scammer back, he or she will then force you with threats of arrest unless you obtain the amount of money the scammer is asking for either by going to your bank and obtaining the funds and transferring them via western union or by way of money cards like green dot. Do not give anyone money or your account information or you will be a victim.

3. I received a telephone call from a person conducting a survey for the Rolling Meadows Police Department. Is it legitimate?

It may be. Each year, a group of police volunteers calls many residents in an effort to conduct an opinion survey of police services. This information is used by the police administration in allocating staff, developing strategies, solving community problems, and creating programs. These volunteers will never ask for personal information and participating in the survey is completely optional.

Remember, never give out any personal information (Social Security Numbers, bank account numbers, passwords, credit card numbers, etc.) to any person who calls.

4. I did send money to the agent (scammer) who said he was from the IRS. What can I do, can I get my money back?

The short answer is NO or possible, If you sent the money to the scammers via Western Union or Money Gram you can report the situation directly to the business you went to and see if they can help you as long as your money has not been picked up yet. If the scammer hasn't picked up the money, you could possibly get it back. If the scammer did pick up the money unfortunately it is gone and the police department or federal authorities are unable to assist you.

5. I have been scammed. Who do I report this to?

The report should be filed at:
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
https://www.ftc.gov/faq/consumer-protection/submit-consumer-complaint-ftc

Treasury Inspector General of Tax Administration (TIGTA): https://www.treasury.gov/tigta or 800-366-4484

IRS: http://www.irs.gov/uac/Report-Phishing or (800) 829-1040

6. Can the scammer who stole my money get caught?

The answer is it's possible but unlikely. Scammers use what is called spoofing technology which allows them to use different phone numbers as well as masking and hiding IP addresses if it is done online. The FTC has admitted that it's incredibly hard to catch people, many of the scammers are overseas. However, the FTC said consumers should file reports with them.

7. I have the phone number the scammer called me from. What do I do?

First, DO NOT call the scammer back. Instead report the phone number to the FTC at https://www.ftc.gov/faq/consumer-protection/submit-consumer-complaint-ftc
and also put your phone number in the do not call registry. Also use a search engine like Google and place the phone number in the search field. You will instantly see that people have reported this number and it is a scam number.

8. Will caller ID help me for scams?

Possibly, if you do not recognize the phone number do not pick up. However, be aware that your voicemail or answering machine will be available and the scammer WILL leave a message identifying himself or herself as an IRS agent asking you to contact him or her back at a phone number. DO NOT call it back. Report the incident to the FTC.

9. Do you have more information about scams?

Yes, you can check out the police department's scam link at:
http://www.cityrm.org/522/Types-of-Scams

10. I'm going on vacation. Will the police watch my house?

If you live in Rolling Meadows, you may provide us with your information such as a telephone number where you may be reached, the dates you will be gone, and names of people who have a key to your house who live nearby. In case of an emergency, the Police or Fire Department then has the means to make contact with you or someone you trust to provide information or assistance.

Police and service officers will not go out to your house and conduct premise checks unless there are suspicious circumstances or an emergency. Having a trusted neighbor or relative retrieve mail, maintain the grounds, and check the house is highly recommended.

11. I have been receiving harassing telephone calls. What can I do?

This type of complaint can be handled by an online report or mail-in report. To file the report online go to: http://www.cityrm.org/FormCenter/Police-Department-4/Rolling-Meadows-Police-DepartmentONLINE--55 to file a mail in report go to: http://www.cityrm.org/280/Alternative-Reporting-System and download the PDF. Complete the form and mail back or drop off at the police desk at 3600 Kirchoff Rd. Rolling Meadows, IL 60008. Questions, you can call 847-255-2416 whic is our non emergency number.

12. I have received a phone call or text message where a threat was made. What can I do?

First to deal with harassing telephone calls do not engage the caller or attempt to speak with the caller. Note the date, time and if possible the telephone number that the call originated from. If it is a text message please save the text so an officer can view the text and if necessary take a picture of it for documentation. Then file a police report by contact the police department at 847-255-2416.

13. How can I protect myself from being a victim of identity theft?

Did you know that identity theft is the number one crime in America and it is estimated to increase over 1000%? Identity theft is exactly what it sounds like. Someone literally steals your identity for personal gain. Usually what happens is that a person obtains information such as your social security number and/or driver license number to commit various forms of fraud. The thief may apply for loans or credit cards, rent apartments, lease cars, obtain services, and much more. The victim, unfortunately, is then left with a ruined credit history or having the complicated task of regaining financial health or trying to restore their reputation in the community. Here are some helpful hints on how to protect yourself from being a victim:

Check your credit reports once a year.
Guard your Social Security number.
When possible, don’t carry your Social Security card with you.
Don’t put your SSN or drivers license number on your checks.
Guard your personal information.

You should never give your Social Security number to anyone unless they have a good reason for needing it.

Watch for people who may try to eavesdrop and overhear the information you give out orally.

Carefully destroy papers you throw out,especially those with sensitive or identifying information.

Be suspicious of telephone solicitors. Never provide information unless you have initiated the call.

Use a locked mailbox to send and receive all mail. Reduce the number of pre approved credit card offers you receive (they will ask for your SSN). For further information on identity theft, we encourage you to visit the Department of Justice website: www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/idtheft.html

If you need more assistance please call the police department at 847-255-2416.

14. How do I report gang or drug activity?

You may call the police by dialing 911 if it is in progress. If it is not in progress and you want to report information you may contact the police department at 847-255-2416. You may call RMPD Crime Stoppers at 847-590-7867 or submit an email to crimestoppers@cityrm.org this email address is encrypted and there is no way to track where it is coming from.

15. What can people of the City do to help stop crime?

Most property crime can be easily prevented by utilizing some simple crime prevention methods. The majority of crimes that have occurred in Rolling Meadows are thefts from vehicles and entry to open garages. Almost none of these involved any type of force to gain entry such as breaking a window. Residents must close their garage doors when not outside or able to watch the garage. The majority of garages have been entered at night, often just after dark. This has occurred even with parties occurring in the backyard or people home and awake. Vehicles have been left unlocked with valuables such as wallets, GPS systems, credit cards, computers, etc. in plain sight. For younger offenders, we must take the temptation away from them. Lock your vehicles as most thieves do not want to draw attention by breaking glass and making noise. Hide you valuables in your car if you cannot take them into the house. Put items in the trunk where they are not visible.