TOWNSEND — The Townsend Police Department is alerting the community to a new email scam that’s been targeting residents with threats of releasing personal photos and videos.
According to authorities, several individuals have reported receiving emails where scammers claim they have hacked into phones and obtained personal content.
The emails demand payment, usually in Bitcoin, to prevent the release of this content to the recipient’s contacts.
To make the threats seem credible, the scam emails include personal details such as the recipient’s phone number, home address, or even a photo of their home.
Townsend Police emphasize that this is a phishing scam and that these criminals have not actually hacked into phones or accessed any data.
The public is advised not to respond to these emails, refrain from sending any form of payment, and to avoid clicking on any links that may seem suspicious.
Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant, protect their personal information, and share this warning to help keep others in the community informed and safe.
The police department is actively investigating these incidents and is asking anyone who may have received such an email to report it to the authorities.
