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

LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK) – Longview Police are warning the public about a scam after recently arresting an individual for allegedly stealing between $30,000 and $150,000.

Muhammad Muzammil, 23, of Bolingbrook, Illinois, allegedly used fraudulent tactics to defraud a local victim of a “significant sum of money,” according to Longview police.

“Unfortunately, these types of crimes are becoming more common and are often targeted at older and younger adults. Protect yourself and your loved ones by staying informed and alert,” Longview police said.

To avoid fraud, the department offers the following tips:

• 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 valid phone number.
• Don’t let yourself be pressured into making quick decisions.
• Be cautious if you are asked to pay by gift card, bank transfer or cryptocurrency.
• Never give your social security number, bank account details, or other confidential information to unknown or unverified sources.
• If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a scam, report it to local authorities immediately.

For more information about scams and how to protect yourself, visit the Federal Trade Commission online.