The Boone County Sheriff’s Office released further information regarding a new scam that has been circulating around the community involving threatening images.
The Sheriff’s Office stated that a disturbing scam has been circulating recently where scammers are issuing emails that include a picture of a victim’s house, which has been acquired through Google Maps or other public sources, alongside a claim that a post will be made in an attempt to damage the the victim’s reputation online unless the victim transfers funds in Bitcoin to the scammer.
“Do not fall for it,” the Sheriff’s Office released. “These scammers are trying to scare you into paying up.”
The Sheriff’s Office released a list of four instructions for community members to follow if exposed to the scam.
- Do not respond to the email
- Do not send any money
- Report the email as phishing or spam to your email provider
- Report the scam to the appropriate authorities, like the FTC or local cybercrime units
“Stay safe and don’t let these criminals intimidate you,” the Sheriff’s Office released. “Spread the word to protect others.”
