So they target people who put their details on their Google accounts and tag them on Google Maps? Damn, even if there's no blackmail attempts through e-mails I'd be worried for their safety. Sounds like these people don't have a good knowledge about privacy and security in the first place.
How did the scammers know the images are related to their target btw? Do people upload their location details publicly? A bad idea to put our real name and photo on Google. It's hard to make sure no personal details are leaked.
Topic: Email scam demanding bitcoin - fooling the weak. - page 7. (Read 1094 times)
Hopefully not too many people fall for these scams but I am sure some will because they wont want to put their family at risk.
People will definitely be scared if they’re not aware of these kinds of scams. That’s why the police advise not to reply or just ignore it, because they’re not going to follow through, it’s just their scam. If you fall for it, then sorry, say goodbye to your money.According to the report, they’re asking for a big amount, around $1,950 to $2,000... so even if 1,000 people fall for it, they’ll end up making millions from the scam.
Yeah that is pretty scary. Especially since they send a photo of your house and unless you recognise it was a Google streetview photo you are going to freak out and assume they live in your city and you might be in danger.
I heard the ones where they just email you and threaten but didnt think they would send along photos of your place of residence. The things scammers will do is crazy these days and downright scary.
Hopefully not too many people fall for these scams but I am sure some will because they wont want to put their family at risk.
I heard the ones where they just email you and threaten but didnt think they would send along photos of your place of residence. The things scammers will do is crazy these days and downright scary.
Hopefully not too many people fall for these scams but I am sure some will because they wont want to put their family at risk.
And interesting topic here;
Randolph police warn of new email scam demanding bitcoin
The scam attempt seems so simple, yet there are still people who fall for it. It’s a threat, though we don’t always know what kind, but for those who aren’t familiar with the technology, seeing an email where the scammer knows their address and even has a picture could really scare them, not realizing it just came from Google Maps. That’s why people need to be more educated about these kinds of scams and the technology behind them to help minimize cases like this.
Randolph police warn of new email scam demanding bitcoin
Quote
RANDOLPH — Police are alerting the community about a new scam involving threatening emails that demand bitcoin payments after victims received messages containing their personal information and photos of their homes.
The Randolph Police Department reported an increase in complaints from residents who have received emails, mostly from gmail.com accounts, that use the victims’ full names and addresses.
The emails include images that appear to be taken from online mapping applications, such as Google Maps, depicting the street or front yard of the targeted individuals.
According to the authorities, the emails have a threatening tone and demand a bitcoin payment, typically in the amount of either $1,950 or $2,000.
Scammers have included a QR code for the intended payment and falsely claim that Pegasus malware has been installed on the victim’s computer.
Police emphasized that recipients of such emails should not respond.
The recommended action is to immediately move the email to the spam folder and then delete it to avoid further risk.
The department urges anyone who receives a similar email or has questions to contact the Randolph Police Department at 781-963-1212 for assistance and support in dealing with the scam.
The Randolph Police Department reported an increase in complaints from residents who have received emails, mostly from gmail.com accounts, that use the victims’ full names and addresses.
The emails include images that appear to be taken from online mapping applications, such as Google Maps, depicting the street or front yard of the targeted individuals.
According to the authorities, the emails have a threatening tone and demand a bitcoin payment, typically in the amount of either $1,950 or $2,000.
Scammers have included a QR code for the intended payment and falsely claim that Pegasus malware has been installed on the victim’s computer.
Police emphasized that recipients of such emails should not respond.
The recommended action is to immediately move the email to the spam folder and then delete it to avoid further risk.
The department urges anyone who receives a similar email or has questions to contact the Randolph Police Department at 781-963-1212 for assistance and support in dealing with the scam.
The scam attempt seems so simple, yet there are still people who fall for it. It’s a threat, though we don’t always know what kind, but for those who aren’t familiar with the technology, seeing an email where the scammer knows their address and even has a picture could really scare them, not realizing it just came from Google Maps. That’s why people need to be more educated about these kinds of scams and the technology behind them to help minimize cases like this.
Jump to: