Illinois man arrested for theft of more than $30,000

LONGVIEW – According to our news partner KETK, the Longview Police Department is warning the public of a scam after they recently arrested a person for allegedly stealing between $30,000 and $150,000. Muhammad Muzammil, 23 of Bolingbrook, Illinois, allegedly used scam tactics to scam a local victim out of a “significant amount of money,” according to Longview PD.

“Unfortunately, these types of crimes are becoming more common and often target the elderly and young adults. Protect yourself and your loved ones by staying informed and vigilant,” Longview PD said. Visit the Federal Trade Commission online for more information on scams and how to protect yourself from them.

The department gave the following tips to avoid scams:

Be cautious of unsolicited calls, emails, or messages asking for personal information or money.
Always verify the identity of the caller or sender. Hang up and call back using a legitimate phone number.
Don’t be pressured to make quick decisions.
Be wary if asked to pay via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Never share your social security number, bank account details, or other sensitive information with unknown or unverified sources.
If you or someone you know has been targeted by a scam, report it to the local authorities immediately.