Scammers threaten to release 'embarrassing things' about East Brunswick residents
The emails contain the resident's name, address, phone number and a generic "street view" photo of that person's home.
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East Brunswick police are warning residents about extremely specific scam emails that ask for money.
The emails contain the resident's name, address, phone number and a generic "street view" photo of that person's home.
The scammer claims that some type of spyware was remotely installed onto devices running Windows, iOS, and Android, allowing them to access those devices - including all emails, contacts and social media accounts.
Then threatens to release “embarrassing things” if the recipient does not pay them a specific amount of money in Bitcoin.
Scott Schober,cyber security expert and president/CEO of Berkeley Varitronics Systems, says scammers are getting more sophisticated with help from AI.
"We, as consumers, need to up our game. Be very cautious and never pay anything in Bitcoin," said Schober. "Don't respond to the email, don't respond to a text, don't respond to a phone call and phone a friend. Ask someone for advice. If you're not sure and it looks a little fishy – stop.”
The scam was also reported in Warren, North Brunswick, Montvale and Washington Township. East Brunswick police believe the information was publicly available or possibly leaked.
