Re: SCAM ALERT: Secrets, Lies and Bitcoin (fwd)

[robert <http://dummy.us.eu.org/robert>]

 > From: Noelle <noelle>
 > Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2018 11:52:26 -0700 (PDT)
 >
 > speaking of scams, the phone just rang and caller ID said "Apple 
 > Inc"

Funny.

 >  > Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2018 17:05:38 +0000 (UTC)
 >  > From: "Nextdoor Japantown" <http://www.rs.email.nextdoor.com/~reply>
 >  > 
 >  > Public Information Officer Laurel Anderson from County of Santa
 >  > Clara added a photo and said:
 >  > 
 >  > SCAM ALERT: Secrets, Lies and Bitcoin
 >  > The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office is alerting the
 >  > community about a scam using letters and demands for payment by
 >  > Bitcoin. Some Santa Clara County residents have received a
 >  > mysterious letter with no return address, alleging that the
 >  > recipient is hiding an illicit activity. The allegation is
 >  > intentionally vague to cover all kinds of behavior.
 >  > 
 >  > This recent crop of letters brings a digital currency twist to a
 >  > very old scam. The new angle is to demand payment with Bitcoin, a
 >  > type of cryptocurrency that is difficult to trace. Bitcoin is not
 >  > tied to a bank or national government and can be redeemed all over
 >  > the globe. This means that the scammer and the victimâ??s
 >  > money are often outside the reach of U.S. law enforcement.
 >  > 
 >  > One version of the letter starts with the statement:
 >  > â??Iâ??m going to cut to the chase. I know about
 >  > the secret you are keeping from your wife and everyone
 >  > elseâ?¦.â?? To avoid having the alleged secret
 >  > revealed, the letter demands a large payment.
 >  > 
 >  > The scammers most likely know nothing about the intended
 >  > victims. They hope that by casting a wide net, they will either
 >  > reach someone with a guilty conscience or an innocent person who
 >  > does not want to deal with a false, but embarrassing
 >  > allegation. Once a victim falls for the scam and makes a payment,
 >  > the blackmail seldom stops. The first payment will likely be
 >  > followed by more â?? and increasing â?? demands.
 >  > 
 >  > The District Attorneyâ??s Office recommends that you
 >  > disregard these letters. If you have fallen victim to such a scam,
 >  > please contact the U.S.  Postal Inspectorâ??s Service
 >  > (877-876-2455) or your local police department.
 >  > 
 >  > For more questions about scams or consumer issues, call the District 
 >  > Attorneyâ??s Consumer Mediation Services at 408-792-2880.
 >  > 
 >  > PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: http://ow.ly/lbj030lp1Ud
 >  > 
 >  > Shared Aug 14 in General to subscribers of County of Santa Clara
 >  > General