Assistant State’s Attorney Kevin Berrill talks with residents of Grand Dominion in Mundelein on Oct. 28 about avoiding online and telephone scams, both of which have increased during the pandemic.
State's Attorney's Office Holds Cyber Security Presentation for Mundelein's Grand Dominion Community
Hacking, phishing, phone calls that aren't what they seem, all are part of aggressive efforts to separate you from your money, and possibly even your identity.
The Lake County State's Attorney's Office this year has put forth a major effort to advise residents, especially seniors, on ways to avoid being scammed, whether at home on your computer or by a pickpocket in a crowd.
On Oct. 28, Assistant State's Attorney Kevin Berrill gave a presentation on avoiding scams to a large and engaged crowd in Mundelein.
Berrill said the first thing to understand is that despite pricey security programs and services, anyone can get hacked or scammed and people should not feel embarrassed.
Scam victims should call the police, even if it feels like a futile gesture. Sometimes scammers can get caught, Berrill said, but they won't unless incidents are reported.
He said the road to personal protection starts with managing your personal and financial information securely. But in addition to having a reasonably good security systems on computers and phones, how you react to situations may be the difference between foiling a scam or being taken.
One of the most obvious steps, he said, is to never give out personal information such as your social security number or birth date to anyone you don't know who may contact you.
Scammers may approach you online or by phone posing as representatives from major companies or banks stating there is a problem with your account, and that they need your information or money to help get it fixed.
Representatives of such companies would not call to request such information, Berrill said. If there is any doubt about who you are talking with, hang up and contact the company yourself.
Phishing involves computer-based scams designed to trick you into letting thieves into your system. It may be something as small as an email or text asking you to click on a link.
Those engaged in phishing efforts use emails designed to look like legitimate mail from from a source such as a store or service provider. But a closer look may reveal misspelled words or sentences that are not phrased correctly or professionally, Berrill said.
He also stressed that people should never let anyone who calls or contacts you online gain access to your computer remotely.
Berrill spoke about ID theft, and ways to keep people from stealing your identity and using it to make purchases. In addition to keeping devices secure, watch what you throw out, Berrill said.
“Your trash is their treasure,” he said, noting that once a scammer has enough information about you, identify theft can be easy.
Do not throw away or leave around important information from social security and driver's license numbers to passwords you use for your accounts. “Use a shredder,” Berrill said.
Earlier this year, to help residents address these issues, the State's Attorney's Office produced a new pamphlet entitled “Seniors: Don't Get Scammed.”
For an online, printable copy of the “Seniors: Don't Get Scammed” pamphlet online, click here.
 Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart welcomes a large group of Grand Dominion residents to a presentation on cyber security Oct. 28.
Lake County State's Attorney's Cyber Lab Forensic Analysts Recognized by Lake Forest Police Foundation
Carol Gudbrandsen and Morgan Plambeck
Lake County State's Attorney’s Office Cyber Analyst Carol Gudbrandsen and Cyber Technician Morgan Plambeck have been honored by the Lake Forest Police Foundation for their work on “hundreds, if not thousands,” of cases involving cyber crime.
The two, along with other members of the Cyber Crimes Division, have assisted law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal level.
“Your amazing analytical skills and tenacity have allowed for investigations to move forward, resulting in cases to be successfully solved and closure for countless crime victims,” awards given to the cyber workers said.
The foundation thanked the two for “always being available for our requests and questions. Your commitment and efforts not only enhance the image of the Lake County State's Attorney's Office, but also that of the criminal justice system overall.”
Domestic Violence Victims Honored, Survivors Given Resource Information at State's Attorney's Display for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
 State's Attorney's Office Victim Witness Counselors Cynthia Vargas and Stephanie Escobar at the office's information and resource table, which was in the Courthouse lobby throughout October as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The Lake County State's Attorney's Office took part in several events supporting Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, and made an informative statement in the Courthouse Lobby as well.
In addition to a table loaded with information about domestic violence and services available to those affected by it, the display sought to bring to light the size of the problem that takes place in every community from the poorest to most affluent.
Particularly effective were red “Silent Witness” silhouettes placed around the lobby representing real people who were killed in domestic violence incidents.
Gold hearts on the silhouettes featured stories outlining the tragic facts of their cases, the voices of silent witnesses lost to domestic violence.
Open Enrollment for the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office Young Ambassadors Board
 Members of the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Young Ambassadors Board staff an information booth.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office is seeking ambitious, civic-minded high school students from across the county for inclusion on the office's Young Ambassadors board.
Up to 40 youth will soon be selected as new members of the Young Ambassadors Board (YAB). The board’s mission is to empower the youth of Lake County to become leaders and advocates for their community and peers.
The Young Ambassadors lead by example and work together throughout Lake County to improve our community.
One of the most important services the Young Ambassadors provide is to serve as a forum to effectively deal with issues that especially impact youth in Lake County. Young Ambassadors will work as partners with the State’s Attorney’s Office in developing programs and will provide insight on existing efforts to engage the young people of Lake County.
Young Ambassadors will be involved in various projects and activities to bring awareness to their schools and communities, as well as a voice on issues and trends that affect them and their peers directly. Membership helps enhance personal growth by providing leadership opportunities, a voice in community awareness/prevention programs and confidence-building.
To apply, candidates must be high school students in Lake County, submit a completed application on time, and agree to commit time to attending monthly meetings, volunteering, and other activities. Applications are due no later than Dec. 1.
For more information and an application, click here.
Join the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center for its 7th Annual Evening of Festivities
This Children's Advocacy Center event will take place Thursday, Dec. 2 at The Chocolate Sanctuary. Ticket prices include our “Blue Kids” welcome cocktail, hors d’oeuvres, and a dinner buffet.
Please use the QR code below or visit our website at www.friendsoflccac.org/holiday to purchase tickets to the event as well as raffle tickets to win a trip to experience the Kentucky Bourbon Trail or the Fairmont Scottsdale Golf and Spa.
Event and Raffle tickets are limited, so get yours today! We look forward to celebrating this holiday season with you.
Veterans Closet to hold Grocery Give-A-Way Nov. 12
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