Impostors targeting metro-east residents in money-transfer scam, police say

Police in Fairview Heights are warning residents about a scam in which callers pose as Apple representatives and pressure people to send money through transfer apps or gift cards.

The Fairview Heights Police Department said a local resident recently received a text message claiming her Apple account had been compromised and instructing her to call a phone number provided in the message. Police said that after she called, the person on the line directed her to download money-transfer applications — including WorldRemit, SendWave and Western Union — and then send funds and purchase gift cards.

Police said the resident ultimately realized it was a scam and reported the incident after losing more than $1,000.

Authorities urged residents to be skeptical of unsolicited texts or calls that claim urgent account problems, especially messages that demand immediate payment or instruct recipients to download apps, transfer money or buy gift cards.

Police advised residents not to call phone numbers included in suspicious messages and to contact companies using official websites or verified customer service numbers. Anyone who believes they have been targeted is asked to contact the Fairview Heights Police Department at 618-489-2100.