Community Corner
Scam Alert: Branford Police Warn About Email Bitcoin Extortion Scheme
Scammers claim they've hacked into computer, recorded owner watching illicit content, threaten to release video unless $2K Bitcoin paid: PD
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BRANFORD, CT — Branford police are cautioning the community to be on the alert for an email scam involving Bitcoin payment, a scam "known to police and has been reported in CT and other states."
According to police, scammers are sending emails claiming that they’ve hacked into the recipient’s computer and have recorded the recipient watching illicit content. The scammers then threaten to release the alleged video to family and contacts unless you pay $2,000 in Bitcoin.
The email may include a Google Earth image of your home and a QR code for the payment.
"If you receive an email like this, we are advising you not to send payment," police noted. "You should block the sender and can also visit the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov."
If you are a victim of this scam and have provided funds, please call our non-emergency line to file a report at 203-481-4241. Thank you!
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