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Islanders are being targeted with emails from strangers threatening that their families will be hurt or that a hit man will kill them if they do not pay out a substantial sum in Bitcoins.
The Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC) and Jersey Financial Crimes Unit (JFCU) raised the alarm after receiving reports from islanders about the intimidating ransom requests.
While the two authorities say that they do not believe that the threats are “credible”, they are nonetheless warning islanders to be wary.
Only a few islanders have been targeted so far, but the JFSC and JFCU say that they’re taking the allegations seriously, and wanted to nip the potential cyber scam in the bud before it can cause financial damage to lives.
Pictured: The fraudsters try to make their emails seem more authentic by using personal information acquired from social media.
“We are so far only aware of a small number of Jersey instances of this type of threat, but we really wanted to flag this as soon as possible to stop someone reacting and parting with their money,” a spokesperson said.
While internet ‘honey traps’ and hoaxes involving fake foreign princes and members of the aristocracy wishing to 'bestow their cash’ on recipients have long been prevalent, it is thought that internet scams have taken a darker turn because internet users are now more aware of the risks.
“As people receive many unsolicited spam emails, and have become increasingly immune to basic scams, perpetrators as a result are either using more threatening methods; or utilising personal information, often mined from social media networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn, to try to make their attacks appear more genuine,” a JFSC spokesperson explained.
Pictured: Threatening emails are on the rise because people have become "immune" to conventional spam.
They added that the rise Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies had also played their part in spreading the threats, as they are untraceable.
The scams have finally reached Jersey after sweeping the US and Australia late last year.
The FBI issued a warning in December, stating: “Scammers try to take advantage of your emotions and trust, so take the time to educate yourself about any offer or threat you receive.”
Do not take any action after receiving the emails - do not respond, and definitely do not send any money to the fraudsters
Contact the authorities immediately. Individuals can contact the JFCU on jfcuadmin@jersey.pnn.police.uk, while regulated financial services providers should contact both the JFCU and their supervisor at the JFSC
Educate yourself on how to avoid future attacks by looking at the National Cyber Security Centre website
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