Full Notification

On Monday, 11/12/12, we received a report from a resident who received a phone call during which an immediate payment of $199.00 was required in order to keep their electricity turned on (their bill was up to date). The resident was advised that non-payment would result in immediate electricity service termination.

The male caller identified himself as representing the “billing department of Commonwealth Edison.” He advised the homeowner that since they “switched their service provider to Ambit Energy,” Com Ed was going to charge them $199.00 to keep their power activated. The caller told the resident that instant payment could be made over the phone with either a credit card or check-by-phone.

The victim had not changed electric service providers. The Village is not
contracted with Ambit Energy, nor does Com Ed require payment from
customers for or due to switching to another provider.

We would like to remind residents to be extremely cautious when someone un-expectantly demands immediate payment of any kind over the phone. Experience tells us that unanticipated and pressured phone solicitations stressing an overwhelming sense of urgency and immediate action are fraud attempts virtually 100% of the time.

Residents receiving these specific types of solicitations are asked to NOT MAKE PAYMENT and contact us at 847-599-7000 to make a police report.

Anyone with questions can call our crime prevention unit at 847-599-7080.