The DeKalb Police Department has received complaints about an e-mail scam affecting our residents. In the scam, an e-mail (or text) message appears to come from an acquaintance and directed to the victim. It will typically request a favor and then ask the victim to purchase some gift cards. The e-mail then requests the victim send the PIN numbers from the cards to a different e-mail address. This enables the suspect to cash the cards without taking possession of them. This type of scam can also be done from other countries. Any person that gets an e-mail like this should immediately delete it. If any resident has replied and purchased anything, they should contact the police department to make a report.
Anytime a resident receives a suspicious e-mail or text, they should contact the sender by a more reliable method to verify the request. For example, call the acquaintance on the phone or speak to them in person.
All citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the DeKalb Police Department at 815-748-8400 or dial 911 in the event of an emergency.