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. It is suspected that there may be additional incidents in Erie County that went unreported. Victims say the offenders are men and women who appear to be working together to commit the crimes.

"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 set-up," said Erie County DA Mike Keane. "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.