Full Notification

During the past several weeks, more than a dozen Petaluma residents have reported receiving emails that open with the recipient’s name, address, and phone number and the statement, “I know calling you at (recipient’s number) or visiting (recipient’s address) would be a (sic) effective way to reach you in case you don’t take action. Don’t try to escape from this. You’ve no idea what I’m capable of in Petaluma."
 
This is followed by a full page alleging that they have captured images of the recipient, from their camera phone, while viewing pornographic images and visiting “dark corners of the Internet.” The author claims to have placed Malware onto the cellphone or computer of the recipient and has now has access to their emails, contacts, and social media.
 
There is no factual basis for these claims. This form email is essentially a form of phishing where the suspect(s) are attempting to gain access to the recipient’s personal devices or extort money from the recipient who viewed the form letter.
 
There is no current way to track down the suspect in this case and our advice is to discard the email or the letter and make no attempt to contact the sender as it could put you at further risk of fraud. We understand that receiving information like this could cause you to be fearful or vulnerable to harassment but ignore the message and we assure you that this person is not capable of what they are alleging.
 
As always with internet surfing or using your electronic devices, remain vigilant to these scams and if you are in doubt of the legitimacy of these claims, feel free to reach out to the Petaluma Police Department at (707) 778-4372.
 
See attachment for a full copy of the email/letter people have received.