BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland State Police Financial Crimes Unit is warning the public about an internet scam targeting Gmail accounts. This scam has been seen in August and September, and police say it can be very dangerous for victims.

The scammer sends an email to a potential victim’s Gmail account with a picture of their home from Google Maps. The scammer then demands money from the victim in Bitcoin. The scammer claims that if the victim does not send them money, they will release personal information they have obtained from Google Maps.

Police say the scammers will sometimes give two options to the victim. One is to send the money requested in Bitcoin, and the other option is for the scammer to release the personal information they claim to have taken.

Police are urging residents to be cautious of unsolicited emails sent to their Gmail accounts. They recommend not clicking on links in emails or clicking on websites you don’t trust. Malicious websites can look very similar to legitimate ones, so it’s important to double check the spelling and logos carefully.

It’s also important to remember that online scammers can often rush victims into making emotional decisions. They may try to use that tactic to get their victims to stop thinking rationally.

If you think you’ve been targeted by this scam, you’re encouraged to contact the Maryland State Police Financial Crimes Unit online. You can also file a report with the IC3.gov website.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

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