‘Do Not Pay’: Healdsburg police warn residents of scam

( KRON ) — The Healdsburg Police Department (HPD) is warning residents about a scam that is targeting their community. The department announced on Facebook Wednesday that a scammer is threatening residents to get them to send money and their personal information.

HPD advises if you’re in doubt about a potential scam, call the department at 707-431-3377. Police said to look out for fraudulent emails and threatening messages.

The department is telling residents to not pay the scammer and beware of gift card requests. “ If you’re asked to purchase gift cards to settle a ‘dispute’ with credit card companies, social security, or medical services, it’s highly suspicious,” HPD said.

A paper message is going around the city’s residents. Healdsburg police posted a picture of that letter (below).

In the letter, the scammer claims they have their hands on individuals’ personal information. The scammer claims spyware called “Pegasus” has been installed in residents’ mobile devices.

“You’ve been treading on thin ice with your browsing habits, clicking through those adult videos and venturing into the darker corners of cyberspace,” the letter reads. “I can peep at everything on your display, flick on your cam and mic, and you wouldn’t even suspect a thing.”

The letter continues the threats as the letter goes on. The scammer threatens to leak the personal information they claim to have on the resident if $2,000 is not sent to them via Bitcoin.

“Your safety is our priority. Stay vigilant and protect yourself from these scams!” Healdsburg police said.

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