AG: Scammers threatened to shoot relatives if victims didn't pay ransom

The New York Attorney General's Office announced Tuesday the takedown of a telephone extortion ring.

Investigators say the scammers would attempt to extort money from victims by threatening to shoot their relatives if they did not pay ransom.

The alleged ring leader, George Peters, of Puerto Rico, and co-conspirators Eligio Jimenez-Correa of Syracuse and Orlando Gonzalez -Rivera, also of Syracuse, are now facing charges including Grand Larceny and Attempted Grand Larceny for their alleged roles in the extortion scheme operated in several counties across New York.

“As we allege, the defendants engaged in a shameful scheme to terrorize and rob New Yorkers,” said Attorney General Underwood. “Today’s takedown should send an unmistakable message to those who seek to extort New Yorkers: you will not get away with it.”

The New York Attorney General's Office is reminding people to beware of this type of scam and offered the following tips:

• Never give out personal information to a stranger on the phone.
• Never wire money through Western Union, MoneyGram, or any other wire service to a stranger.
• Never purchase gift or money cards for the purpose of providing the gift card numbers to someone else.
• Immediately contact the police if you get a call like the ones described here.