Buffalo, NY (WBEN) Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane is warning the public about a scam involving robbery and sextortion.
He says his office is actively investigating several complaints from victims who reported being robbed during an encounter with a person they believed to be an escort. Keane says when the victim arrives for the arranged "date," they are robbed by the perpetrators. Other reports involve the victim being forcibly filmed by these criminals who threaten to post the explicit video on social media unless a sum of money is paid.
The victims have reported contacting the offenders through escort service advertisements or online dating apps. Keane says victims told his office the offenders are men and women who appear to be working together to commit these crimes.
This escort scam has been reported at residences and motels in the Town of Amherst, Town of Hamburg and the Town of Lancaster. He adds the victims of this scam have been reluctant to come forward and continue with prosecution, so there may be additional incidents in Erie County that have not been reported to law enforcement.
"I am warning residents to not engage in this high-risk behavior because patronizing a prostitute remains a crime in New York State and they could become the victim of this robbery set-up. I believe there are more victims who are not coming forward due to fear or embarrassment. I cannot overstate the importance of cooperation from our community in our effort to combat crime. Our citizens can help law enforcement identify these offenders and save someone from becoming the victim of exploitation. I encourage any victims or witnesses who have information on this crime or suspected human trafficking to contact my office or their local law enforcement agency," said Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane.
