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Westlake police warn of Bitcoin blackmail scams

GrafaGrafa2024/09/09 00:45
By:Mahathir Bayena

Westlake Police are alerting residents about an increase in blackmail scams involving demands for payment in Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) or gift cards.

The scammers send emails claiming they have been monitoring the recipient’s online activities and threaten to expose personal information unless a ransom is paid.

These emails often appear highly personalised, featuring details such as the recipient's name, address, or even images of their home.

This information, however, is commonly gathered from publicly accessible online sources.

The police emphasise that these emails are part of a widespread scam and that there is no evidence to suggest the perpetrators are operating locally or even from within the United States.

The scammers aim to create fear by making the emails seem as though they have intimate knowledge of the recipient’s life, but authorities stress that these are mass emails sent to numerous individuals.

Westlake Police strongly advise against making any payments in response to these threats, whether through Bitcoin, gift cards, or other forms.

Paying these scammers does not ensure that they will stop or that personal information will remain private.

Instead, it could make recipients more vulnerable to further scams.

The police urge anyone receiving suspicious emails, pop-up messages, or text messages to contact them directly before taking any action.

They emphasise the importance of staying vigilant and reporting any such incidents to help protect the community from these ongoing scams.

The rise in these types of blackmail scams is part of a broader trend of online criminal activity where scammers exploit publicly available information to create panic and coerce payments.

Westlake Police are committed to educating residents on recognising these fraudulent schemes and taking appropriate steps to avoid falling victim.

At the time of reporting, the Bitcoin (BTC) price was $54,962.23.

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Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.

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