The Duplin County Sheriff’s Office is informing community members about a recent email scam targeting individuals. Reportedly, scammers are sending alarming messages that claim they have gained access to your personal devices and sensitive information, and they are demanding payment in Bitcoin and other forms, according to authorities.
Here’s what to be aware of and what steps to take if you receive one of these emails:
- Threats related to supposed breaches of your privacy.
- Requests for payment through various means, frequently in cryptocurrency (such as Bitcoin).
- Assertions that they have hacked your camera or infiltrated your accounts.
- Remain calm and do NOT make any payments to the scammer.
- Avoid engaging or responding to their threats.
- Promptly report the email to your local law enforcement or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
- Change your passwords and activate two-factor authentication on all accounts.
- Conduct a malware scan on your device to confirm it has not been compromised.
- Mark the email as spam.
