Illinois scams

The Puppy Scam isn't back---because sadly, it's never gone away since scam artists figured out that they can bilk people out of their money year after year. This year, the Puppy Scam is taking more money than ever before, and leaving sadness and anger in its place.

As the holiday season approaches in Illinois, it's the perfect time for scammers to seize the opportunity to finesse their way through transactions with counterfeit money.

Police are warning shoppers of a new gift card scam called "card draining" as we head into the holiday season.

A few years back, it was easier to tell who was calling you. Their name and number (or at least the number) would show up on your caller ID, and you'd have some idea of where they were calling from. Now, a scammer simply changes a few things to make it look like a local number is calling you, or even worse, it'll look like a friend or family member's number.

Before you say that this sort of thing could never happen to you, keep in mind that literally thousands of people fall victim to fraud texts every single day. In this case, one click cost someone in Palos Hills $30,000.

Robocalls have been a problem for quite a while, and now there's an added layer to the scam. Using a fake local phone number instead of the number the scammers are really calling from is helping them trick people in Illinois into doing things they shouldn't.

Your phone chirps to let you know that you've got a text message from the Illinois Tollway telling you that you owe some toll money. Before paying quickly to avoid trouble later, take a second to think it through before you send anyone any money...and thank me later.

If you're planning on repaving your driveway soon, make sure you hire someone you trust to get the job done.

Stay vigilant against passport renewal scams that could compromise your personal information and travel plans this year.

Don't fall for the online flower scams targeting shoppers for Mother's Day this month - shop local in Illinois instead.