Village of Oak Park Fraud Alert

Because of a rash of incidents involving individuals posing as utility workers to gain access to senior citizens’ homes, or to obtain personal information by phone, ComEd reminds its customers not to allow entry to persons claiming to represent the company without first asking for and viewing proper identification.

In recent incidents in Chicago, Rockford, Belvidere and DeKalb, customers have reported that individuals claiming to be ComEd representatives have requested personal banking or credit card information, or offered to collect cash for a payment from their homes.

ComEd reminds its customers that ComEd representatives’ all have identification badges which are clearly visible and carry both a name and photograph, and their clothing has the ComEd logo. ComEd representatives do not:

• Request private information, like credit card numbers by phone, or
• Pick up payments of any kind at customers’ homes

Should any customers suspect fraudulent activity of this kind, they are encouraged to call the police.

Any customers seeking more information regarding how to be sure if a person is a legitimate representative of Com Ed, or the appropriate ways to make payments are encouraged to call 1-800-EDISON1.

Village of Oak Park Are You Okay? Program

“Are You Okay?” is a computerized telephone reassurance service provided free of charge to residents of Oak Park.

Eligibility

Residents of Oak Park who are:

• A senior age 60 and over
• A person of any age with a disability

How It Works

A computerized call is made at the same time each day seven days a week.

To acknowledge that you are OK, simply pick up the phone. Once you pick up the phone a computer will register that the call was answered and that you are OK. NOTE: there will NOT be a person on the line therefore you cannot speak directly to police personnel. If you need assistance you will need to hang up and pick up the phone again to dial 911 directly if it is an emergency or the non-emergency number (708-386-2131) if your situation is not urgent.

If you will not be home at the time of your call, you must notify the police department according to the notification guidelines on the following page.

Emergency Response

If you are unable to answer your “Are You OK?” call, the computer will call your back 2-3 times with approximately 5 minutes in between calls. If you still don’t answer, police personnel will be alerted; a police car will go to your residence while at the same time a dispatcher will try to call you directly. If there is still no answer, the dispatcher will begin calling your emergency contacts to try to determine if you’re OK.

As a last resort, if you do not respond to the police at your door and it can’t be determined that you are OK, the police will try to gain entry to your residence.

How To Enroll

Contact Oak Park Township Senior Services at 708-383-8060; Senior Services staff will explain the program, record your information and the time you would like your daily call and mail you a disclaimer agreement.

Please note that although your may pick anytime between 6:00 am and 11:59a m for your daily call, the program works best when the call is used as a wake up call. This will help to prevent you from leaving your home before you get the call thereby triggering a false alert.

All participants must sign a disclaimer agreement that:

• Serves as an application for the program
• Outlines the program and the consequences of non-compliance
• Authorizes the police and fire department personnel to respond to a perceived lack of response to the program
• Releases the Village and Township of Oak Park from any liability connected to with the program.

Please Return All Completed Documentation To:

Oak Park Township Senior Services
418 S. Oak Park
Oak Park, IL 60302
Attention- Todd Kitzinger

Village of Oak Park Police Special Watch

Over the past several months property crimes have become more prevalent in Oak Park.  These include any yard/outdoor items that can be easily lifted off when a garage is opened. Thieves are interested in these types of materials because they can be easily sold on the street. Due to the diligence of residents, the Oak Park police department has been able to successfully arrest several offenders. These offenders were arrested because of good descriptions from observers. The Oak Park police department has also had an increase in “suspicious persons” calls. These types of calls are beneficial because if a suspicious person is located they may have committed a crime or may be plotting to commit one. If you feel there is a suspicious person but are unsure if the person is a resident, please do not hesitate to call the non-emergency number (708)386-3800. You can make the call anonymously if you do not feel comfortable leaving your name.

All solicitors must obtain a permit through the Village of Oak Park. You should not provide any information to solicitors without speaking with the police. Some solicitors will ask about home security issues and whether an alarm is present on the premises. If a solicitor is asking these types of questions please call the police immediately. Watch out for elderly neighbors who may be vulnerable to telephone or solicitor scams. If you are concerned about an elderly neighbor please do not hesitate to contact your Resident Beat Officer. The Oak Park Police Department is grateful for the assistance!

One of the biggest concerns of residents in Oak Park is how to protect your home from residential burglary. Although this is not a rampant problem, burglaries make every person feel uneasy. When the police respond to a burglary and speak with victims it is clear that objects can be replaced but the violation of piece of mind can not.

Given the economic climate of last year, people have been prioritizing big expenses. We know many residents have put off purchasing alarms or windows that lock because it is simply not top priority. It is understandable that most people want to save money. If you do plan on purchasing an alarm for your home this year, research the companies and find out what system would work best for you and your family. It does not make sense to purchase an alarm if you will not use it. If you are trying to safe guard your house from burglars and save money, focus on replacing old doors and door frames. Some businesses will install a new door for free. All windows and doors should have functioning locks. Locks can be purchased at the hardware store or any major home repair store. Lock your doors and secure your windows when you leave your house! Cover your windows so that people can not see in your house or garage. Make sure your garage overhead door is functioning properly. Wait until your overhead garage door closes before leaving. Safe guarding your house can simply be a matter of changing some habits!

© Copyright 1999-2010 3Planets.com. All rights reserved.
Web Design | Hosting | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service