Full Notification

EBOLA ONLINE SCAMS
The following are excerpts from Lisa Madigan, Attorney General for Illinois
***CONSUMER ALERT***
MADIGAN ISSUES WARNING ABOUT EBOLA SCAMS
Attorney General’s Office Reports of Possible Email Scams Tied to Ebola Outbreak

Chicago — Attorney General Lisa Madigan today alerted Illinois residents of several possible email scams tied to the Ebola outbreak.
Madigan’s office has received emails titled “People being quarantined” that purport to be an “Ebola Pandemic Update” and include a link to view a so-called “civilian crisis protocol.” The email may contain links that could infect a user’s computer. Another email offered a “surplus personal protection kit” for $29 that alleges to provide infection defense specifically for members of emergency response teams and law enforcement agencies.

Madigan urges Illinoisans to be on the lookout for these types of unsolicited or suspicious emails. Consumers who receive such emails should delete them immediately. Do not open or click on any links in the email.

“We suspect these emails are the handiwork of scammers seeking to take advantage of people’s understandable fear and anxiety surrounding this international public health risk,” Madigan said. “It’s extremely important that you delete these messages and instead consult legitimate resources for more information about prevention measures underway.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is posting regular updates regarding the federal government’s response to the outbreak, including tips on how to minimize the risk of infection, and the Illinois Department of Public Health recently announced its protocol in the event of a suspected Ebola case in Illinois.

Beware of Charitable Scams

Tied to Ebola Attorney General Madigan also urged Illinois residents to exercise caution when donating to charitable aid efforts tied to the Ebola outbreak. Con artists may seek to exploit the crisis for their own personal profit.