Pennsylvania Attorney General Henry has issued a warning to residents about a rising trend in cyber fraud known as sextortion. This crime involves criminals threatening to release explicit images or videos of their targets unless they receive payment.
In many cases, the criminals do not possess any such materials. They often use publicly available images from Google Maps, showing the target's home or street, to lend credibility to their threats. Despite this, it is important for individuals to be cautious about what they share online and through digital communication channels, as personal information can be exploited.
The perpetrators typically demand payment via Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, providing QR codes or links to facilitate the transaction. Authorities urge anyone who receives such threats not to engage with the scammers or scan any provided QR codes.
Attorney General Henry advises victims of phishing sextortion or financially motivated sextortion to report these incidents immediately. Reports can be made to the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or visiting ic3.gov. Complaints can also be submitted to the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection online, via email at scams@attorneygeneral.gov, or by phone at 1-800-441-2555. It is crucial to include any emails or other forms of contact from the potential cyber criminal when filing a complaint.
"Be aware: you may have been targeted by a trending cyber crime involving criminals threatening to post explicit images or videos of their target," said Attorney General Henry.
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