Idaho AG warns of sextortion scam

BOISE — Attorney General Raúl Labrador said a sextortion scammer recently impersonated the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in an attempt to elicit personal identifiable information from citizens via email.

As these scams rarely target a specific person, it is highly likely that additional victims exist in Idaho and other states.

In this instance, the scammer identified himself as ICAC Lt. Christopher Williams and accused the target of committing the crimes of solicitation of a minor and child pornography.

He instructed the target to enroll in a court-issued Cyber Citation Second Chance program with the following instructions:

"Take a blank sheet of paper sign it dated place your ID beside your social above the signature snap a clear legible picture flip over the ID and the social snap another legible picture for both backs with signature submit both pictures via email or text to Lt. Christopher Williams to be enrolled in this program."

The scammer threatened potential fines, prosecution, probation, social media restrictions and other consequences should the target refuse to comply with the provided instructions and participate in the program.

To further intimidate the target, the letter claimed that the judge had placed a gag order of suppression on the case due to its sensitive nature, adding that discussing it with anyone outside of the judge and serving officer would result in the target’s immediate arrest.

Anyone who receives one of these emails is encouraged to contact the attorney general’s ICAC unit at 208-947-8700.

The ICAC unit works with the Idaho ICAC Task Force, a coalition of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, to investigate and prosecute individuals who use the internet to criminally exploit children.

Parents, educators and law enforcement officials can find information and resources at ICACIdaho.org.