Escort scam involving robbery reported by several victims in Erie County

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- An escort scam ending in robbery has affected several victims in Erie County, according to the Erie County District Attorney's Office.

The DA's office is warning the public that victims are getting robbed when meeting up with a person they believe to be an escort, according to victim complaints. Contact was made between the victims and the offenders via online dating apps and escort service ads.

Complainants have also reported being blackmailed with the offender filming explicit videos of them and threatening to post them online.

The scam has been reported in Amherst, Hamburg and Lancaster. The victims, who are all young men, said the offenders are men and women who appear to be working together to commit the crimes.

"It's happened a half a dozen or so times over the course of the last few months," said Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane. "We think it's the same group of people mixing in and out."

It is suspected that there may be additional incidents in Erie County that went unreported. Keane believes this is because victims are fearful of repercussions.

"These complainants are nervous they're going to be prosecuted for patronizing a prostitute which is illegal in New York State," said Keane. "They're also, of course, embarrassed."

Keane told WIVB News 4 the DA's office is not looking to prosecute the victims of this scam for what is a misdemeanor offense. He said law enforcement is working directly with the dating sites to get the suspects behind bars.

"If I could, I'd convince everyone not to do it, but I know that's not going to happen," said Keane. "I think they should be careful and try not to put yourself in a risky situation."

"I am warning residents not to 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 setup," Keane continued. "I cannot overstate the importance of cooperation from our community in our effort to combat crime."

Anyone with any information about this alleged scam, or suspected human trafficking, is asked to contact the DA's office at 716-858-2400.