BANGOR — The Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning about a recent scam that has escalated into harassment, attempting to extort money by threatening to release private videos and images.
According to authorities, the scammers sent emails to an individual confirming their phone number and address.
The scammer claimed to have hacked the recipient’s computer, capturing inappropriate videos and images, and threatened to share the material with the recipient’s entire contact list unless a Bitcoin payment was made.
To make the scam appear credible, the scammer provided accurate personal information, including in one instance an attached photo that may have been sourced from Google Maps.
The Sheriff’s Office advised the public to exercise extreme caution if they receive such correspondence and to refrain from sharing personal or financial information.
Scammers often change their tactics, but their end goal remains the same: to coerce individuals into providing financial information or paying for fraudulent services.
Officials recommend always verifying the legitimacy of an organization before proceeding with any transaction.
They urge the public to resist the pressure to act quickly, never to pay with gift cards or money transfer services, and to consult with a trusted individual before responding to any suspicious demands.
