Crime & Safety

Blackmail Scam Hits Danville Mailboxes

Pay up to keep your "secrets" or else your friends, family and neighbors will find out. Uh-oh!

DANVILLE, CA – The Danville Police Department today cautioned residents of a scam that hit numerous locals who received threatening "blackmail" letters in the mail.

"The scammer claims to have evidence about a 'secret' and 'misadventures,'" according to police. The scammer then goes on giving recipients two options: payment through Bitcoin; or the secret will be revealed to their friends, family and neighbors.

"Please be advised this is a scam," the agency said. "Regardless of what the letter says, DO NOT SEND MONEY."

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Danville police also said that while they "appreciate the folks who have taken the time to make us aware of this, it is not necessary to bring the letters you may have received down to the PD.

"The exception to this is if you have fallen victim to this scam and paid out, please bring the letter down to the PD in order to fill out a report."

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