scammer email Chatham County residents are being warned about a new email scam that causing concern. The sheriff office has issued a cautionary alert regarding a scheme that preys on fear and urgency to extort money from victims.
Scammers Use Personal Information to Intimidate
The scam involves emails that include images of the recipient property. These emails demand a ransom of $2,000 in Bitcoin and threaten to release sensitive personal information if the demand is not met. The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office has shared an example of these threatening emails to help residents recognize the fraud.
Sheriff Mike Roberson emphasized the seriousness of the situation: “Scammers play on fear and urgency, pressuring victims into complying with their demands. We urge residents to avoid engaging with these scammers. Under no circumstances should anyone send money or respond to these threats.”
Steps to Take If You Receive a Scam Email
If you receive an email fitting this description, follow these guidelines to protect yourself:
- Do Not Respond: Avoid engaging with the scammers or sending any payments.
- Report the Incident: Contact your local law enforcement agency to report the scam.
- Avoid Clicking Links: Do not click on any links or attachments included in the email.
For those who receive suspicious emails or feel threatened, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office encourages them to reach out at 919-542-2911.
Stay Vigilant Against Scams
This latest scam highlights the need for vigilance and caution when dealing with unsolicited emails, particularly those that create a sense of urgency or fear. By staying informed and following the recommended steps, residents can help protect themselves from falling victim to these deceitful schemes.
Keywords: Chatham County scam alert, email fraud, ransomware threat, Bitcoin extortion, personal information theft, Sheriff Mike Roberson, phishing emails
