A police officer in Mundelein, Illinois, has been formally recognized for intervening in an alleged fraud scheme that targeted a 76-year-old resident and nearly resulted in the loss of $196,000.
According to the Mundelein Police Department, Officer Anastasios Koumantos was recognized through the department’s quarterly employee recognition program after taking action that prevented the elderly resident from sending a large payment to individuals posing as representatives of the victim’s bank.
Deputy Police Chief Tom Poyner said the officer’s actions prevented what the department described as a potentially “life-changing loss.”
Reported Scam Attempt
Deputy Chief Poyner stated that the incident began in November 2025 when police were contacted regarding a resident who had been targeted by a fraud scheme the previous day.
According to the department, the suspect or suspects contacted the victim by phone while posing as members of the bank’s fraud department.
Poyner said the caller informed the resident that a fraudulent charge of $1,960 had been made against her account and claimed the funds were tied to illicit activity.
Authorities say the suspects allegedly used pressure tactics during the call.
- The victim was told she could face arrest by local law enforcement unless the situation was immediately resolved.
- The caller requested access to the victim’s banking information.
- The suspects reportedly gained remote access to the victim’s computer.
- The victim was instructed to send a $196,000 online money order overnight through UPS to an address in Texas.
CLICK HERE to order your copy of
Poyner noted that in similar scams, packages are often intercepted by suspects and may involve multiple victims across different locations.
Officer Intervention
According to the police department, Officer Koumantos recognized the urgency of the situation after responding to the report.
Deputy Chief Poyner said the officer attempted to stop the delivery through phone communication but was unsuccessful.
The officer then reportedly took additional steps to prevent the transfer of funds.
- Officer Koumantos went directly to the UPS Store in an effort to halt the delivery.
- He accompanied the victim to her bank for further assistance.
- The officer coordinated with both UPS personnel and the victim’s financial institution.
Authorities say those efforts resulted in the check being stopped before the money could be transferred.
Funds Recovered
Police officials reported that the coordinated actions between the officer, UPS personnel, and the bank ultimately resulted in the recovery of the victim’s funds.
According to a statement posted by the Mundelein Police Department on social media, the officer’s response prevented the victim from losing the entire amount.
“Because of his quick, focused work, the victim’s money was returned, preventing a life-changing loss,” the department stated.
Challenges Investigating Scam Networks
Deputy Chief Poyner noted that in many cases involving fraud networks, criminal charges are difficult to pursue at the local level.
According to Poyner, such schemes often involve organized groups operating outside the United States.
- Scams frequently involve international actors.
- Multiple victims may be targeted simultaneously.
- Jurisdictional challenges can limit local prosecution.
Poyner stated that despite these challenges, the prompt reporting of the incident and the officer’s quick response helped prevent any financial loss in this case.
Police Inaugural Golf Outing
To register, please use the following link: https://app.seemylegacy.com/community/1797/campaign/8534
To support, please use the following link: https://app.seemylegacy.com/community/1797/campaign/8535
Scam Prevention Tips from Police
The Mundelein Police Department also shared guidance to help residents avoid becoming victims of similar fraud schemes.
According to Deputy Chief Poyner, scammers commonly rely on urgency and fear to manipulate victims.
- Verify the source of any unexpected phone call, text, or email requesting personal information or money.
- Do not click on links sent through unsolicited communications.
- If suspicious, stop communication and contact the organization directly using a trusted phone number.
- Be cautious of urgent demands involving threats of arrest or legal action.
- Do not provide banking details, passwords, or Social Security numbers over the phone.
Police also emphasized the importance of reporting suspected scams as soon as possible.
According to Poyner, victims should not feel embarrassed or ashamed if they believe they have been targeted.
Current Status
At this time, authorities have indicated that no local criminal charges are expected in connection with the attempted fraud due to the complexity of cases involving international scam networks.
Police say the victim’s funds were successfully recovered and no financial loss occurred.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money was involved in the scam attempt?
Authorities said the victim was instructed to send a $196,000 online money order after initially being told about a fraudulent charge of $1,960 on her account.
How was the scam prevented?
According to the police department, Officer Anastasios Koumantos coordinated with UPS and the victim’s bank to stop the delivery and cancel the check before the funds could be transferred.
Are scams like this common?
Police say fraud schemes involving impersonation of banks or financial institutions are increasingly common and often involve organized groups operating outside the United States.
What should someone do if they suspect a scam?
Authorities recommend stopping communication immediately and contacting the organization directly through an official phone number or website. Suspected scams should also be reported to local law enforcement.
Continue the Analysis
Cop Talk LIVE provides independent coverage of law enforcement policy, criminal justice legislation, and use-of-force standards.
🔎 Join Cop Talk LIVE Insider Access:
https://www.patreon.com/c/coptalklive/membership
📩 Submit a Tip or Story:
https://coptalklive.org/submit-a-tip-story/
About The Author
Discover more from Cop Talk LIVE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
