Yingling Warns Residents About Scams During COVID-19 Pandemic

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – State Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, is raising awareness about the increased dangers of scams during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Illinois Attorney General’s Office has warned the public about new scams that have become common during the recent health crisis.

“With the hardship that many are facing due to this pandemic, it is disgusting that there are those looking to take advantage of those who are vulnerable,” Yingling said. “We must do everything we can to protect those in our community from people who seek to steal from them, and the best way to do that is by being informed about the tactics that scammers use.”

The Illinois Attorney General’s Office has recently issued a consumer alert on scams during the current pandemic. According to Attorney General Kwame Raoul, individuals should avoid answering text messages, phone calls or emails that ask for financial information or that direct recipients to a link. These links can lead to websites looking to steal sensitive information, such as social security numbers and credit card numbers. Clicking links can also download dangerous malware to the phone or computer, which can also lead to theft of personal information. To learn more about how to avoid scams, visit the Illinois Attorney General’s website at https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov.  

“During this time of increased fear and misinformation, we must all be vigilant in being cautious and looking out for potential scams,” Yingling continued. “I highly encourage residents to take a moment and learn the telltale signs of scams to protect themselves and their families from these new scams.”