TOWNSEND — The Townsend Police Department is alerting residents to a new email scam where perpetrators are sending threatening messages claiming they have hacked into phones and obtained personal photos or videos.
These scammers, posing as hackers, are demanding payment, typically in Bitcoin, to stop the dissemination of the content to the victim’s contacts.
The scam emails have alarmed residents as they often include personal details such as phone numbers, home addresses, or even photos of the victim’s home, giving the false impression that the threat is legitimate.
Authorities have clarified that this is a phishing scam and that these criminals have not actually gained access to any devices or personal data.
The Townsend Police Department urges the community not to respond to these emails, to refrain from sending any form of payment, and to avoid clicking on any links contained within the message.
The police also advise residents to stay vigilant, protect their personal information, and share this warning to help keep the community secure from such fraudulent activities.
