Montclair Cops Warn About Ongoing Email Scam (What To Know)

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Montclair Police Department is warning local residents to be aware about an email scam that has been making the rounds in the township.

On Tuesday, the MPD released the following message:

“Recently, several residents have reported receiving email correspondence from an individual who purports that they have installed malware on their devices and have taken control of your computer or phone. The email will also list the victim/targets phone number, home address, or a photo of their home. All this information can be obtained with a simple Google search. The scammer will then threaten to release damaging videos and photos that they claim to have of you unless you pay them in bitcoin. This is a scam.”

What should you do if you get an email or call like this? According to the MPD, it’s important not to give them any personal information, credit card numbers, prepaid cards or money – and don’t pay people in Bitcoin.

Here are some other tips, police added:

• Don’t give out personal or financial information over the phone or by email to anyone.
• Don’t pay a supposed fine by wire or gift card or bitcoin. These types of payments are hard to trace or reverse.
• Don’t assume an email or call is legitimate because caller ID says so. Scammers use spoofing technology to trick caller ID.

“If you feel that you have been the victim of a scam, or if you have concerns about being inappropriately contacted you may call the Montclair Police Department at (973) 744-1234,” authorities said.

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