by Cristina Miranda
Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC
August 21, 2018
“I know about the secret you are keeping from your wife and everyone else. You can ignore this letter, or pay me a $8600 confidentiality fee in Bitcoin”.
It’s enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine, but these chilling words are part of a new scam targeting men.
Here’s how it works. Scammers have been sending letters to men, demanding payments using bitcoinin exchange for keeping quiet about alleged affairs. The letter also explains how to use bitcoin to make the payment.
This is a criminal extortion attempt to separate people from their money.
If you — or someone you know — gets a letter like this, report it immediately to your local police, and the FBI.
Threats, intimidation and high-pressure tacticsare classic signs of a scam. Learn how to stay ahead of clever crooks with these practical tips, and check out the ways you can keep your personal information secure.
“It’s enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine”
Not me, I have nothing to hide from my wife. All it takes to avoid scams like these is honesty on my part, some real morals and a bit of common sense.