WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — D.C. police are warning residents of an email extortion scheme that has been going around lately.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said fraudsters have been emailing their victims and saying that they have hacked their computers, getting access to their information, photos and contacts.
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The fraudsters then tell their victims that they have screenshotted alleged personal things and websites that the victims have visited and demand a predetermined amount of Bitcoin. If the victims do not pay up, MPD said the fraudsters threaten to release all the information they retained to social media and to the victims’ contacts.
MPD said the swindlers will attach a photo of the victims’ homes which the department believes they have found on Google Maps.
MPD gave these tips to anyone who receives similar unsolicited emails:
- Do not feel pressured to act on the email. Fraudsters have public information on their victims but it does not mean it’s legitimate.
- Never pay any Bitcoin or click on any links that are in those emails.
- Let your friends and family know about the swindling attempt and protect those around you.