SAN DIEGO–The Sheriff’s Department is warning the public to be aware of a new scam involving the digital currency known as Bitcoin.
Potential victims receive a letter in the mail. The scammer threatens to release embarrassing information for public humiliation if the victim does not pay up using Bitcoin. The blackmailer also includes instructions on how to buy bitcoin, as well a unique Bitcoin to Paypal wallet to send the money to, which makes it harder to trace.
Authorities say anyone who receives this kind of letter is advised not to respond or send money. They urge the recipients of the letter to share this warning with friends and family.
The Sheriff’s Department has no known cases at this time.
Crimes involving mail is the jurisdiction of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. If you receive a blackmail letter, contact the Postal Inspection Service at (877) 876-2455.
You can also file a complaint online by visiting https://postalinspect ors.uspis.gov/ or the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx.
