HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR080918KPDwarnspublicofsextortionscamBERNARD P. CARVALHO JR.
Mayor
COUNTY OF KAUA'I
KAUA`I POLICE DEPARTMENT
News Release
For Immediate Release: August 9, 2018
WALLACE G. REZENTES JR.
Managing Director
MICHAEL CONTRADES, ACTING CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-1600
Fax (808) 241-1604
KPD warns public of `sextortion' scam
LIHU`E — The Kauai Police Department (KPD) is alerting the public about a "sextortion"
email scam being circulated throughout the state and county.
In the hoax email, the scammer claims to have hacked into the recipient's computer
display and webcam, and claims to have compromising video of the recipient. The scammer
threatens to release the alleged video unless a payment is made immediately via a Bitcoin
wallet address.
"If you receive this type of extortion email, do not respond to the sender. These claims
are false, and you should never engage with a suspected scam artist," stated Acting Deputy
Chief Rob Gausepohl.
KPD offers the following tips to avoid becoming a victim of an online scam:
• Do not open suspicious emails, click on suspicious links, or post sensitive
information online.
• Never provide usernames, passwords and/or personal information to any unsolicited
request.
• Check your bank, credit card and phone statements regularly. If you see an unknown
or unauthorized charge, immediately notify your bank or service provider.
• Upon receiving a hoax email, reset your password.