Police in Hamilton are warning residents about a new extortion scam involving Bitcoin. According to authorities, scammers are targeting individuals and businesses in the area, claiming to have personal information about them.
The scam begins with a threatening email or phone call, in which the scammer claims to have sensitive information about the victim. They then demand a large sum of money in Bitcoin in exchange for not releasing the information.
Sergeant Steve Bereziuk of the Hamilton Police Service’s Major Fraud Unit says, “These scammers are using fear and intimidation to try and extort money from their victims. They may claim to have access to personal information such as passwords, banking information, or even compromising photos.”
Bereziuk also warns that these scammers may use tactics such as spoofing phone numbers or creating fake email addresses to make their threats seem more legitimate.
In one recent case, a Hamilton resident received an email from a scammer claiming to have hacked into their computer and obtained sensitive information. The scammer demanded $10,000 in Bitcoin or they would release the information to the victim’s family and friends.
Fortunately, the resident recognized the email as a scam and did not fall victim to the extortion attempt. However, police are concerned that others may not be as fortunate.
“We want to remind the public to be cautious when receiving unsolicited emails or phone calls demanding money,” says Bereziuk. “If you receive a similar threat, do not respond or send any money. Instead, contact your local police service to report the incident.”
Police also advise individuals to regularly change their passwords and enable two-factor authentication on their accounts to protect against potential hacking attempts.
If you have fallen victim to this scam or have any information about those responsible, please contact the Hamilton Police Service’s Major Fraud Unit at 905-546-3886. You can also report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
Remember, never give in to the demands of scammers and always report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Stay vigilant and protect yourself from falling victim to these types of scams.
