State’s Attorney Glasgow Warns of Scammers During COVID-19

JOLIET, ILAs the world continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow has issued a warning for Will County residents to beware of scammers.

"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."

In addition to scammers looking to extort community members by releasing pornographic videos in exchange for money, Glasgow also warns that these are not the only scams taking place during the 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.”

If contacted by a scammer, Glasgow encourages all community members to contact their local police department.