Minden, Nevada, residents have been warned about a Bitcoin extortion scam involving threatening emails that include personal details and Google Maps street views of victims’ homes.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has warned Minden, Nevada residents regarding a scam involving menacing emails intended to extort money through Bitcoin.
The emails purport to contain confidential information, including the victim’s home address, phone number, and internet browsing history. The fraudster threatens to disclose the victim’s browsing history unless a ransom in Bitcoin is paid.
To heighten the level of intimidation, the emails incorporate a Google Maps street view of the victim’s residence, which renders the threat appear more personal.
It is recommended that residents refrain from communicating with the sender or transmitting Bitcoin payments. Rather, they should submit the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.