State’s Attorney Glasgow Warns of Scammers Seeking to Extort Money During Covid-19 Pandemic

May 5, 2020

JOLIET, IL – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow is warning residents about scammers seeking to extort community members by threatening to publicly release pornographic videos in exchange for money, regardless of whether any such video exists.

“My office has received multiple reports from innocent people in our community who have received emails threatening to release inappropriate videos of them in exchange for money—regardless of whether or not such video even exists,” Glasgow said. “It is reprehensible that while so many of us are working together to battle Covid-19, morally bankrupt scammers are seeking to take advantage of the good people in Will County while they are most vulnerable.”

Glasgow noted that this is not the only scam that has been identified during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Sadly, scammers and thieves are taking advantage of the most vulnerable during this time of crisis. Other scams include online attempts to sell Covid-19 home testing kits, even though the FDA warns that there currently is no approved home testing kit for coronavirus, and phishing emails seeking donations in an attempt to steal identities and money,” Glasgow said. “Please tell family and friends, and in particular the elderly, to be on the lookout for potential scams. Together, we can help prevent these thieves from using Covid-19 as their ruse for stealing money and personal information.”

Glasgow urged residents who believe they have contacted by a scammer to contact their local police department.

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