(Audubon, Iowa) – Audubon County Sheriff’s Office officials said on social media today (Thursday), they have recently received several reports of scam letters claiming to have taken control of a person’s cell phone and/or laptop. The letters state they have been monitoring websites you are using. They claim to have control over all your contacts and threaten to send your contacts screenshots and other evidence of illicit websites that you have been visiting unless you pay them. The letters may also contain personal information like your address or phone numbers. They have even sent along pictures of your home or business.

The Sheriff’s Office says you should not be alarmed, as the photos can be obtained through most open-source websites. It is, nevertheless, a SCAM. Do not provide persons sending such letters ANY personal information or give them any money. Online Scams can be reported to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.