The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning regarding a rising extortion scam. Cybercriminals are targeting individuals with threatening letters, both physical and electronic, demanding ransom payments in exchange for keeping sensitive personal information private. The criminals claim to have accessed this data through various means and threaten to release it publicly if their demands are not met.
The FBI advises potential victims to exercise extreme caution. They recommend avoiding any contact with the extortionists and refraining from making any payments. Instead, individuals who receive such threats should immediately report the incident to their local FBI field office or file a complaint through the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Providing detailed information about the threat, including copies of the extortion letters, will help the FBI investigate and potentially identify the perpetrators.
The FBI emphasizes that paying the ransom does not guarantee the criminals will delete the stolen data. In fact, it may encourage them to target the victim again or share the information with other malicious actors. Staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activity are crucial steps in combating this growing cyber threat. Protect your data and be aware of potential scams.
FBI Warns of Extortion Scam Targeting Personal Data
The FBI is alerting the public about a new wave of extortion scams. Cybercriminals are sending threatening letters demanding ransom payments. These letters claim that the criminals have accessed sensitive personal information and will release it if not paid. The FBI urges potential victims to be cautious and report any suspicious activity.