Illinois man arrested for theft over $30,000 in Longview

LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK) – The Longview Police Department is warning the public about a scam after recently arresting 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 police.

“Unfortunately, these types of crimes are becoming more common and often target older adults and young adults. Protect yourself and your loved ones by staying informed and vigilant,” Longview PD said.

The ministry gave the following advice to avoid scams:

• Be wary 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 forced to make quick decisions.
• Be wary if you're asked to pay via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrencies.
• Never share your Social Security number, banking information, or other sensitive information with unknown or unverified sources.
• If you or someone you know has been the target of a scam, report it to local authorities immediately.

Visit the Federal Trade Commission online for more information about scams and how to protect yourself from them.