Nelson Police Department are warning residents of a common scam going around.
On Thursday, September 19, an individual came to the Nelson Police Department to
report a threatening email they had received from an anonymous sender.
The sender claimed to have installed malware on their devices via an insecure weblink which allowed them to access everything stored on them, as well as record video from inside their house through the computers webcam.
They demanded $2,000 be sent in bitcoin or else they would send sensitive information and pictures to all of the victim’s contacts.
This type of scam is common and can be very alarming. They often follow a script that could apply to most people but still comes across as personal, making vague threats or suggestions that they know something and allowing the reader to fill in the blanks.
Superficial personal information, much of which can be found online with a little searching, adds legitimacy to the scam. It does not necessarily mean that your devices or accounts have been compromised.
“It is a good idea to review privacy settings on your social media accounts to make sure you aren’t sharing more information that you would like. If you receive threatening or extortionary communication, do not respond. Save pictures of all communication and block the sender.” said Nelson Police Department.
If you are unsure about something, show someone else or report it to police. Scammers rely on their victims feeling frightened, alone, and not having time to think a decision through. Never send money to people you don’t know.
Once money has been sent by bitcoin or other encrypted currency, it is impossible to trace or get back.
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