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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
By Emma O'Neill & Kirsty Feerick

New scam threatens to expose Scots watching porn unless they pay ransom

Police are warning people about a new scam that threatens to reveal they have been caught watching pornography.

A con email claims footage will be posted online of the victim watching pornography unless they pay a ransom using bitcoin.

Police Scotland have received 96 extortion reports.

Scammers are asking for Bitcoin (Getty)

Detective Inspector Michael McCullagh, of cybercrime investigations, said: "These type of scams aren't unusual, however, this particular suspect or group has used a similar method and wording in every email and in greater numbers than we normally see.

"The emails show current or legacy passwords belonging to the victim, making the threat seem credible.

Police Scotland have issued an warning (Daily Record)

"This is a tactic used by criminals to alarm potential victims."

He added: "Awareness is crucial to avoid becoming a victim to this type of crime and I would encourage people to recognise this.

Scots are being blackmailed into paying a ransom (Getty)

"Don't make any payment, don't reply to the email and take measures to enhance your security such as changing your passwords."

Further details on this type of crime and how to protect yourself can be found at Scotland.

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