Residents of Meridian, Idaho, are facing a disturbing new threat as local police warn of a cryptocurrency scam targeting community members. The Meridian Police Department has reported that individuals are receiving alarming physical letters in the mail, which contain distressing content including printed images of child sexual abuse material.
The letters claim that the recipient has been hacked and must pay a certain amount in cryptocurrency within a tight deadline of 36 hours to avoid potential consequences. The language used in these letters is notably urgent and coercive, featuring phrases such as “YOU’VE BEEN HACKED” and “we are not playing games,” designed to instill fear and prompt immediate action.
Further complicating matters, the letters reference specific hacking tools and software, including Pegasus and Cobalt Strike, which adds an element of credibility to the threats. In an unsettling twist, scammers have also included the names of close family members or friends of the intended recipients, making the communication feel more personal and, therefore, more alarming.
While the identity of the sender remains unknown, investigations suggest that the letters have been mailed from Canada, although the exact location has not been disclosed by law enforcement officials. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and take these communications seriously, as they reflect a calculated effort to exploit fear and manipulate individuals into compliance.
Meridian Police advise anyone receiving such a letter to preserve it as potential evidence and to report the situation by contacting Ada County Dispatch at 208-377-6790. Community safety is paramount, and local authorities emphasize the importance of sharing this information to ensure that others do not fall victim to the scam.
