Form Email Threatens To Extort Recipients, Police Say

PETALUMA, CA—The Petaluma Police Department warned that during the past several weeks, more than a dozen Petaluma residents have received an email that is believed to be a phishing attempt to gather their private information or potentially extort money from them.

The email opens with the recipient’s name, address and phone number and the statement, “I know calling you at (recipient’s number) or visiting (recipient’s address) would be a (sic) effective way to reach you in case you don’t take action. Don’t try to escape from this. You’ve no idea what I’m capable of in Petaluma."

This is followed by a full page alleging they've captured images of the recipient from their camera phone while viewing pornographic images and visiting "dark corners of the Internet." The author claims to have placed Malware onto the cellphone or computer of the recipient and has now has access to their emails, contacts and social media.

According to the Petaluma Police Department, the claims have no factual basis.

"This form email is essentially a form of phishing where the suspect(s) are attempting to gain access to the recipient’s personal devices or extort money from the recipient who viewed the form letter," police said.

"There is no current way to track down the suspect in this case and our advice is to discard the email or the letter and make no attempt to contact the sender as it could put you at further risk of fraud," police said. "We understand that receiving information like this could cause you to be fearful or vulnerable to harassment but ignore the message and we assure you that this person is not capable of what they are alleging."

Police said residents should always exercise caution when surfing the Internet or using their electronic devices, remain vigilant about scams, and, if in doubt about the legitimacy of these claims, contact the Petaluma Police Department at 707- 778-4372.

See a full copy of the email letter below: