Lake Zurich resident loses $1.5M to scammer posing as law enforcement

LAKE ZURICH, Ill. — Police and the FBI are investigating after a Lake Zurich resident lost over $1.5 million after falling victim to a months-long scam.

According to Lake Zurich police, the resident, who has not been identified, lost about $1.58 million to scammers over a five-month period.

Police say the victim was contacted by an unknown caller who was posing as a police officer in China who claimed to be investigating a criminal matter.

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The victim was then instructed by the scammer to wire money to several different accounts in order to avoid prosecution.

Police did not provide details on when the scam unfolded.

Lake Zurich police say they are now working with the FBI on the case.

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