The Snoqualmie Police Department is advising residents to be aware of a new variation of the “sextortion” scam that now includes photos of victims’ homes.
Local law enforcement has reported several cases in Snoqualmie and North Bend, leaving many concerned for their safety.
These scams, which aim to extort money by threatening to release compromising material, have evolved.
In the most recent version, scammers send emails claiming to possess embarrassing personal data, such as explicit photos or videos, threatening to share them with friends and family unless a ransom is paid.
The latest twist involves a scam known as the “Pegasus” sextortion scheme. Victims receive an email that includes personal information along with a ransom demand. The email, often in the form of a PDF attachment, may contain a Google Maps photo of the victim’s home, which can be unsettling.
Some of the information in these scams comes from public sources, while other details are likely obtained through past security breaches.
In the email, scammers typically claim to have installed malware—referred to as “Pegasus” spyware—on the victim’s computer and assert that they are monitoring everything the person does online. They then demand payment within 24 hours to prevent the release of embarrassing content.
The Snoqualmie Police Department stresses that this is a scam, and residents are strongly advised not to respond or pay any ransom. Instead, delete the email immediately.
To protect yourself from these types of scams, the FBI suggests:
- Never send compromising images of yourself to anyone, regardless of who they are or claim to be.
- Avoid opening email attachments from unfamiliar sources, and be cautious even with those from known contacts.
- Turn off or cover your web camera when not in use.
If you believe you are a victim of a sextortion scam, including the Pegasus scheme, contact your local FBI office by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.
