Undated — Area law enforcement agencies say they have received reports recently of an email extortion scam involving a threat to “expose internet browsing habits” of the recipient. The scam involves the email sender claiming to have installed spyware, often referred to as Pegasus, on the recipients’ computer and demanding payment by Bitcoin or they will expose their internet browsing habits to others. The scam also involves the sender including a picture of the recipient’s property or home, and threatens to contact them in person if they don’t comply.
Authorities say it’s a scam. The scammers can obtain public information about the name and address of the recipients, and can easily obtain photographs of their home through public websites such as “Google Earth.” Police advise residents who receive the emails to simply ignore and/or delete them.
(Courtesy Community First Broadcasting station KAYL in Storm Lake and KUOO in Spirit Lake)
