MONTICELLO, NY — The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office is warning citizens of an automated sex extortion scam that is targeting local residents via the Internet.

The scammers are apparently acquiring emails and personal information on the so-called “Dark Web” and feeding them into what appears to be an artificial intelligence (AI) program that automatically contacts potential victims. The program claims in an email that the victim has been looking at pornography on their computer and threatens to embarrass the victim publically if they do not send a ransom payment via a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin.

The AI program sends a photo of the victim’s residence which apparently comes from a public street view mapping system or similar. If the program can find photos of the victim on the internet, it will send copies as well, claiming to have the victim under surveillance. 

“If you get any emails like this we recommend that you ignore them completely and don’t reply,” said Undersheriff Eric Chaboty. “If the emails persist, you should take steps to block them. Never give out any personal information like your social security number, date of birth or financial information.”