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CBS News

Online blackmail scams are utilizing your public information. Here's how to spot the rising threat

CBS News
Summary
Nutrition label

67% Informative

The FBI 's Internet Crime Complaint Center received more than 880,000 complaints in 2023 .

One popular scam uses emails that threaten blackmail.

These emails can seem real, and sometimes include a person's name, address and even a street view image of where they live.

Don't reply - Don't pay any money - Report the email.

VR Score

56

Informative language

47

Neutral language

58

Article tone

informal

Language

English

Language complexity

34

Offensive language

likely offensive

Hate speech

not hateful

Attention-grabbing headline

not detected

Known propaganda techniques

not detected

Time-value

short-lived

Affiliate links

no affiliate links