An e-mail scam is spreading throughout Vermont, threatening exposure of compromising home video and pictures, unless you pay, usually in Bitcoin.

• The e-mail claims you have been hacked and may reference a current or former password you may have used.
• The sender claims that they have access to your computer and webcam and threatens to release embarrassing photos and video unless you send them money.

These e-mails are scams. If you receive one of these e-mails, DO NOT send money. If you find that your current password is listed in the e-mail, change your passwords from another computer and run virus scans.

We need your help! You can stop these scams from hurting your community by sharing this information with people you know.

Call us at 800-649-2424 if you have questions, concerns, or need help determining if you have been a victim of a scam. Also report these scams to the FBI’s Internet Crime Center at www.ic3.gov.  

Learn more on the CAP Connection blog: blog.uvm.edu/cap