North Carolina Residents Targeted by Scary Email Threatening to Expose Browser History

Residents across North Carolina have been receiving alarming emails threatening to reveal their internet browser history unless they pay a hefty ransom. According to a recent statement from local authorities, the scammers are demanding payment in cryptocurrency.

The emails claim that, unless paid, the recipient's search history will be shared with their phone contacts. Authorities are urging individuals not to respond to the threats or click on any suspicious links. Instead, people should immediately report the emails to law enforcement.

How the Scam Works

Scammers are getting more creative and aggressive in their tactics to intimidate people into paying up. In this latest scam, cybercriminals use publicly available information to personalize their threats. Police have reported that some emails include images of the victim's home, obtained through Google Street View, to heighten fear.

Local police emphasize that victims should not fall for this scheme, as scammers often use intimidation, fear, and a sense of urgency to push people into sending money or personal information.

Investigators have not disclosed how many North Carolinians have reported the scam or whether any payments were made.

What to Do if You’ve Paid a Scammer

If you’ve fallen victim to this or any other scam, you may have options to recover your money, depending on how you made the payment. According to the Federal Trade Commission, here are some steps you can take:

• Credit or Debit Card: Contact your card issuer to report a fraudulent charge and request a reversal.
• Unauthorized Bank Transfers: Notify your bank immediately, report the unauthorized debit, and ask them to reverse the transaction.
• Gift Cards: Reach out to the gift card issuer, explain the situation, and request a refund.
• Wire Transfers: Contact the wire transfer company, such as Western Union or MoneyGram, and ask them to reverse the transaction.
• Money Transfer Apps: Report the scam to the app provider and request a reversal. If linked to a credit or debit card, report the fraud to your bank or card issuer as well.
• Cryptocurrency: Unfortunately, cryptocurrency transactions are typically irreversible. However, contact the platform you used to send the payment and ask if a reversal is possible.
• Cash: If you sent cash via U.S. mail, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455 and request an interception of the package.

Stay Alert and Report Scams

North Carolina residents should stay vigilant, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and report any scam-related emails or calls to their local authorities. For more information on how to avoid becoming a victim, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website.