Police Blotter: Attempted Scam and More Thefts From Bank Accounts

Police are warning residents of a scam in which victims are told they have won money and are instructed to send funds to cover taxes prior to receiving their prize.

A resident reported Sept. 15 that she received a letter notifying her that she had won a cash prize. Also enclosed was a check for $3,980 for help with taxes and handling charges. The letter instructed the resident to contact an agent, who would then provide a "government tax agent's" address to which the resident would send a new check for $2,980 through Western Union. After all taxes and fees were paid, the winnings would be sent, according to the letter, which also stated that the resident had been entered into the sweepstakes by shopping at stores across the country.

Anyone who receives a letter containing a check and instructing the recipient to return some of the money is advised not to follow the directions. Instead, they should call the Buffalo Grove Police Department's crime prevention unit at 847-459-2560 or ask their bank to verify the check, without cashing or depositing it.

Other police reports included:

• Sept. 12: Two unauthorized withdrawals totaling $903 and several other unsuccessful withdrawal attempts, all in California

• Sept. 12: A $503 withdrawal in Illinois

• Sept. 13: A $500 withdrawal in California

• Sept. 13: Two $503 withdrawals in California

• Sept. 13: Two $500 withdrawals in Illinois

OTHER INCIDENTS
A resident of the 400 block of St. Mary's Parkway turned in a boys bicycle that was left on his property by an unknown person.

Andres Z. Castro, 59, of the 200 block of Armstrong Drive, Buffalo Grove, was charged at 11:10 p.m. Sept. 15 with domestic battery.