Date: November 30, 2017
Re: Blackmail Scam
Issued by: Lt. Jeremiah P.
Marron Jr.
For
Immediate Release
Darien, CT - The Darien
Police Department was contacted by a local resident who received a letter threatening
“Blackmail.” The letter specifically
stated, "I know about
the secret you are keeping from your wife. More importantly, I have evidence of
what you are hiding." The letter
then demanded that the resident "payoff" the sender with Bitcoin, an online
digital currency system, in order to keep the secret.
The sender gives the
recipient two options: Pay the $3,500.00 or ignore the letter and be
exposed. Ignoring the letter will result
in the "evidence" being sent to the recipient's wife and her family
and friends. The recipient's name appears in several places in the letter
giving the appearance that the threat is authentic.
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THIS IS A SCAM. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED ONE OF THESE LETTERS IN
THE MAIL, DO NOT SEND MONEY. IF FUNDS ARE
TRANSFERRED IN THIS FORMAT, THEY CAN NOT BE TRACED OR RECOVERED.
The Darien Police Department is advising residents to ignore
letters of this type if they are mailed to you.
Investigation has determined that these letters are being sent from out
of state and are not hand delivered. Residents of other towns in Connecticut
and in Massachusetts have received letters of this type. If you have received one of these letters, it
is not necessary to contact the Police Department.
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