NYSP warns public of “sextortion” scam

NEW YORK STATE (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — New York State Police are warning the public of another nationwide scam — this one through your e-mail.

According to the New York State Police, this scam — intended to coerce payments using intimidation or embarrassment — usually begins with scammers obtaining e-mails or other personal information on the dark web. The scammers will then contact the victims stating that they have the victim’s personal information.

They will often include a photo of the victim’s residence, with instructions to make payments in Bitcoin to avoid repercussions. The scammers will also try to convince the victim that they have installed software on their personal devices and have access to their personal accounts. They will also claim to be tracking the victim’s internet use.

To get the victim to act quickly, scammers will claim they have images of the victim viewing pornographic material. They will threaten to divulge this content to everyone in their contact list within 24 to 48 hours unless they pay in Bitcoin to have it deleted.

Police say that scammers do not have access to their devices or person information, despite making those claims.

Police are warning the public that if they receive an e-mail like this to not engage with the scammers or share any personal information with them. This includes:

• Birthdates,
• Phone numbers,
• Social Security numbers,
• or any financial information.

Victims should block the sender, delete the e-mail and report it through the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov . If you believe that you are the victim of sextortion or identity theft, you are encouraged to report it by contacting the local FBI office in Albany at 518-465-7551. You may also call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. You may also contact your local law enforcement or the New York State Police.

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