South Lake Tahoe Police and Douglas County Sheriff's Office warn public of email scam

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Thousands of different types of scams are currently listed on the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) website, from romance and elder scams to those involving sextortion and phishing. A current scam is currently making its rounds around Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area, and the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) and Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) are both warning the public to not be a new victim.

Numerous emails have been sent to Douglas County residents in an attempt to fraudulently obtain money by threatening means. The unknown source of the emails claims to know each victim, their home address, phone number, and internet browsing history. The suspect threatens to release each victim’s internet browsing history to all their contacts unless money is transferred to the suspect via a cryptocurrency Bitcoin wallet address. Each email also includes a Google Maps street view of each victim’s residence to make the threatening email appear more personal.

The South Lake Tahoe email (see attached) was the same. It starts off with the person's name, and says, "I know that calling phone number or visiting address would be a better way to have a word with you if you don't cooperate. Don't even try to hide from this. You've no idea what I'm capable of in So Lake Tahoe. It's important you pay attention to this message right now. Take a minute to relax, breathe, and really dig into it. We're talking about something serious here, and I don't play games. You do not know me whereas I know you very well, and you must be wondering how, correct?"

The letter goes on to describe the author knowing their browsing history and "girlie videos," and that they placed Malware on porn sites. They say they have access to all contacts, emails, and social media accounts, and even have a video of them in their home. The author says $2,000 must be sent to prevent everyone from getting that video.

One of those who received the email was even a member of the South Lake Tahoe Police Department.

If you receive one of these emails, please log onto ic3.gov to report it. Do not interact with the suspect and do not transfer any money to the suspect through Bitcoin or any other means.