Local police warn of blackmail scam that claims to know about your internet activity

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WESTLAKE, Ohio (WJW) — The perpetrators claim to know a lot about you, and demand you give them money to keep quiet. But Westlake police say these emails are a mass scam, and want you to be aware.

In a sample of one recent blackmail letter sent to a Westlake resident, the scammer says they know all about your internet search history and plan to send the information to your contacts if you don’t send Bitcoin or gift cards immediately.

They may send a photo of your home (as taken from an online mapping site) and have your phone number, name and address, which can all be found online, police said.

Westlake police said they didn’t know if these scammers are local or coming from outside the country, but implore residents to “never pay debts or bills through Bitcoin or gift cards.”

Anyone with questions about a questionable email or text or call should reach out to their local police department first before paying anything.

The Westlake department is offering a presentation on how to avoid scams at Westlake Community Services auditorium at 10 a.m. on Oct. 8.

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