'Crypto-Based Extortion Scam' Targeting Wilton Residents: Police

WILTON, CT — The Wilton Police Department is warning of an "emerging crypto-based extortion scam" that has already targeted several Wilton residents.

According to the description of the racket provided by the Connecticut State Police, the scammer threatens to release compromising videos of the victim unless a payment is made in Bitcoin to an unhosted wallet.

A Bitcoin wallet is a device or computer program that is used to send and receive cryptocurrency, virtual money otherwise outside the control of any one person or establishment.

According to the CSP, the would-be digital blackmailers claim they have installed "Pegasus" spyware on their mark's device that can access its camera, microphone, and all its data. They then threaten to send recordings of the victim watching the videos to all their contacts unless paid off.

The would-be victim is typically given 24 hours to pony up around $1,950, according to the CSP. While using "techy-sounding words to seem legit," the scammer will try to scare their victim with "vague threats" about knowing their location.

Police have taken to social media to advise residents targeted by the scam to not panic, and not pay. Instead, report the threat to the Wilton Police Department at 203-834-6260.