COVID-19 scams

A state watchdog has identified at least $7.2 million in fraudulent claims and more than 275 instances of misconduct by state employees accused of bilking a federal program designed to help businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

An Indiana man has been charged with fraudulently obtaining $41,666 in pandemic relief money and $1,126 in unemployment benefits in Crest Hill, court records show.

A Will County woman who once worked as a state revenue auditor allegedly purchased an Italian luxury vehicle with fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loan funds to launder money.

A Will County woman has been charged with defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program out of $41,665 while working for the Illinois Department of Revenue.

Be careful what you share on social media

Multiple people who also received the mailer took to social media – including Twitter and Reddit – to express concerns about how the envelope for the mailer had the words "COVID-19 stimulus assistance" printed on its front.