The Bloomington Police Department has issued a warning to local residents about a recent spike in extortion scams, designed to intimidate victims into paying large sums of money. In this scheme, scammers begin by contacting victims with surprisingly accurate personal information, including their name, phone number, and address, making the message appear more legitimate.
The scammer’s email or text then claims they have explicit photos of the victim, threatening to release the alleged images unless the victim pays a sum in Bitcoin. This message is frequently capped off with a street-view photo of the victim’s residence, adding to the intimidation factor. Police stress that no proof of these photos is ever provided, and scammers are exploiting easily accessible online information to appear more credible.
How to Recognize Scam Warning Signs:
Scammers use several tactics to pressure individuals into quick action. Here’s how to spot the warning signs:
- Threatening Messages: Scammers will often threaten arrest, legal action, or the release of personal information.
- Demands for Immediate Action: Victims are pressured to respond quickly, hoping they will act without fully thinking through the situation.
- Requests for Hard-to-Trace Payments: Payments are usually requested in cryptocurrency (like Bitcoin), gift cards, or wire transfers—all methods that are difficult to track.
- False Documentation or Names: Scammers may include fake documents or impersonate real officials to build trust.
Tips for Protecting Yourself:
Bloomington Police advise residents to follow these best practices to avoid falling victim to this scam:
- Take a Step Back: Do not respond to or engage with threatening messages.
- Ignore Suspicious Messages: Delete the email or text without clicking on any links or opening attachments.
- Protect Your Finances: Do not send money in the form of gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or mailed cash.
- Be Skeptical: If the contact was unsolicited or unexpected, treat it with caution.
- Get a Second Opinion: When in doubt, consult with family, friends, or local authorities to verify the legitimacy of any suspicious claims.
With the rise in these types of scams, Bloomington Police urge residents to remain vigilant and take steps to protect their personal and financial security. Residents are encouraged to report such incidents to the police or federal agencies like the FTC or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
