Snoqualmie Police Alert Residents to New Sextortion Scam Involving Photos of Homes

The Snoqualmie Police Department is issuing a warning to residents about a new variant of the sextortion scam that now incorporates unsettling elements such as photos of victims' homes. In this scheme, scammers send emails that threaten to release embarrassing personal content unless a ransom is paid. These emails often include a PDF attachment containing personal data and a Google Maps image of the victim's residence, creating a sense of urgency and fear. The scammers typically claim to have installed malware, known as “Pegasus” spyware, on the victim's computer, asserting that they are monitoring their online activities. Local law enforcement has reported several incidents in the Snoqualmie and North Bend areas, raising concerns about community safety.

To combat this threat, the Snoqualmie Police Department urges residents to refrain from responding to or paying any ransom. Instead, they recommend deleting any suspicious emails immediately. The FBI also advises individuals to safeguard themselves by never sharing compromising images and being cautious with email attachments.