Oak Forest Police Department Warns Residents of Current Scams

Lately there has been numerous scams reported to the Oak Forest Police Department.  An example is Unemployment Fraud.  Here is a list of the most common ones to save and share: 

Unemployment Fraud:
The most common identity theft fraud reported to the Oak Forest Police Department.  It is not necessary to file a police report as you can notify the Illinois Department of Unemployment Security at  https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/Pages/Reporting_Unemployment_Insurance_Fraud.aspx 
who will investigate the claim.

Phishing Scams
These emails will often appear authentic from Facebook, Google, or any other common website or company asking you to verify your account, but if you look closely you can often see errors in spelling or the email address it is sent from.  It is important to remember government agencies, law enforcement, and utility companies will not contact you via text message or email to gather information from you or collect payment.  The scammers will often have a foreign accent and be very demanding often threatening arrest for tax fraud, child trafficking, drug trafficking, or other serious offenses.  These scammers will demand payment often through gift cards to Target, Walmart, or Best Buy and will force the victim to stay on the phone while purchasing the gift cards. 

IMPORTANT: IF THEY ARE DEMANDING PAYMENT (ESPECIALLY THROUGH GIFT CARDS) IT IS A SCAM!!!!!

Computer Virus Scam
Online scammers will pop up a Virus notice on your computer or tablet and demand payment or access to your computer to restore access to your computer.  The hackers will often have you call a phone number that will demand payment often through gift cards.  If this occurs shut the windows down and turn off your computer, and bring it to a professional. 

Illinois Department of Transportation Scam
Text messages are being sent to phone numbers with a link provided to verify personal information later used for identity theft purposes.  Ignore and delete the message.

Gypsy Scams
Gypsy scams mostly target the elderly and often occur when the offenders come to a residence uninvited and purport to be some type of utility or construction worker stating they need access to a part of the property (often the backyard) as a distraction technique while other persons burglarize the residence.  It is important to verify these worker's identities either by calling the company verifying the work or calling the police department to respond before allowing access to your property. 

Online Shopping/Marketplace
While shopping online and making a large purchase (vehicle, animal, electronics) make sure to verify the retailer or individual selling the item(s) as legitimate.  Many vehicles sold online are stolen with retagged VINs making them appear legitimate.  Remember, if it seems too good to be true it probably is. 

Also, remember the Oak Forest Police Department has an Internet Purchase Exchange Zone in front of the police department for safe person to person exchanges.  If an online buyer or seller is unwilling to exchange at the police station it should be considered a red flag and proceed with caution.

Please share and discuss with elderly family members and neighbors as they are most often victims of fraud. Remember to regularly check your credit report and statements for fraudulent activity. If you think you have been the victim of identity theft, fraud, or have questions you can call the Oak Forest Police Department at (708) 687-1376.

Looking for Volunteers

The Friends of Animal Control Commission works in partnership with Animal Control to provide rescue and re-homing of unclaimed and abandoned local animals; improve facility conditions and increase the success rate of reuniting lost pets with their owners; and educate the community in responsible pet ownership and care.

If you like to spend time with animals and have an hour a week to spare, please consider joining the Friends of Oak Forest Animal Control!  They are looking for help with fostering animals, transportation to and from the veterinarian, take a shift helping care for the animals at animal control and network with rescue organizations to help unclaimed animals find placement.

Please contact Oak Forest Animal Control at 708-705-5690 or email mdrozd@oak-forest.org. 

COVID-19 Vaccinations and Testing

South Suburban College Campus

The South Suburban College (SSC) drive-through COVID-19 testing site is now offering Johnson & Johnson vaccinations.  The one dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine is available for the individuals ages 18 years and older.  Vaccination is available three days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and testing is available the same days plus Saturday.  No appointment is necessary for the drive-thru set up at the College's Main Campus northwest parking lot at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. 

COVID-Testing South Suburban College Oak Forest Center

SSC also recently added a second COVID-19 testing site at its Oak Forest Center (OFC) to provide free testing through the SHIELD Illinois program.  The OFC-SHIELD testing site is initially limited to two days a week on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.  Testing results are available within 24 hours.  If demand increases dates and times will be expanded.  To schedule an appointment, a SHIELD Illinois account must be created through Portal.shieldillinois.com using agency code: df5brbrj.  The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois.

City of Oak Forest is Hiring!

The City of Oak Forest is looking to fill the following positions:

Part Time Firefighter / Paramedics

Human Resources Manager

Responsible for developing, organizing, planning, and implementing the city’s comprehensive human resources program.

The Human Resources Manager is a department head level position responsible for leadership, management and supervision of Human Resources related programs. The Human Resources Manager reports to the City Administrator.

Purchase Vehicle Stickers Through July 31, 2021

The 2021-2022 Vehicle Stickers are currently on sale through July 31st.  The link to purchase is: Oak Forest Vehicle Sticker V-Pay.  Please reference the "VEHICLE ID" number on your pre-printed application when purchasing a vehicle sticker(s) online at www.oak-forest.org.  Starting August 31, 2021, the cost of stickers will double and vehicles registered in Oak Forest without stickers will be ticketed.

City Hall is open to the public, but we encourage people to wear face coverings while interacting with city employees.  Thank you!