Illinois Attorney General Warns Of Email Scam To Collect Phony Debt

It's time to say it again: no matter who you are, there's always somebody out there trying to separate you from your money.

In the latest case, the Illinois Attorney General's office is alerting residents about an email scam that falsely threatens prosecution to collect on supposed debts. The message uses the AG office's name to lend credibility to the effort and include an attached “final warning” letter stamped with an official-looking seal.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan says people who have applied for loans online may be at particular risk for the scam because of the personal and financial information provided to companies. Madigan says that info can be sold to either lenders or, in some cases, illegal fraudsters seeking to use the personal information for profit.

Madigan says:

“This email is an outright scam. Do not respond to anyone claiming to represent my office with demands for money or threatening prosecution. Instead, call our Consumer Fraud Bureau immediately at 1-800-243-0618.”

Out-of-state residents can contact the Illinois AG's office at 312-814-3000.