Residents in Petaluma have found themselves at the receiving end of a disturbing wave of email extortion attempts. These messages, wielding the personal details of their recipients like a blunt instrument, are brazen in their approach. Described as disclosing the target’s name, address, and phone number, the emails threaten direct contact if the impending demands are unmet. Yet, for those concerned, the Petaluma Police Department assures there is nothing to fear from these empty threats.