Worcester Co. Sheriff’s Office warns public on new digital scam

WORCESTER COUNTY, Md.- The Worcester County Sheriff’s office is warning the community about yet another scam. It’s an email extortion scheme that blackmails individuals into sending scammers bitcoin.

Threatening emails are sent to homeowners, saying if they don’t send $2,000 in bitcoin, they will release personal images of their home and family to the public. Sheriff Matt Crisafulli said this scam has affected at least two people in Worcester County.

“We want our residents to know if they receive any type of blackmail email, don’t reply. Don’t pay any money, and to report the email to the FBI Crime Complaint Center, also known as the IC3,” Sheriff Crisafulli said.

Sheriff Crisafulli added if you have been contacted by a scammer, you can also report it to your local law enforcement agency.