Criminals Are Now Using Photos of Your House to Scare and Scam You

A chilling new version of an already panic-inducing scam is on the rise in Minnesota and across the country.

Security experts say scammers are now reportedly incorporating a new tactic that adds a terrifying twist making the scam appear even more invasive and threatening.

The scam begins with a deceptive email, usually claiming to have compromised the recipient’s webcam or other devices and recorded private videos. The scammer then threatens to release these fabricated videos/images to all of the victim’s contacts unless a ransom is paid.

Scammers Are Now Using Google Street View of Your House to Threaten You

What sets this version of "sextortion" apart is the inclusion of a Google Street View image of the recipient's home, alongside personal details like names, addresses, and even phone numbers.

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Several people shared their experiences this week, expressing how unsettling it was to see their home addresses in scam emails.

A Robbinsdale, MN resident, Michael Morimoto, told WCCO he received an email like this which included all of his personal information including an image of his home in a PDF document with a demand of $2,000 or compromising images would be released to all of his contacts.

"Your heart just kind of sinks because there's always a part of you that thinks, oh my God, is this real? Hackers have gotten so sophisticated," Morimoto said. Since then, he’s received two more emails from different, random addresses, one of which said "You don’t know what I’m capable of in Robbinsdale!"

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Another person who received a similar threatening email told Fox, "The email addressed me by my full name and asked if visiting my home address would be a more effective way to reach me. Below was a picture of my house. I get a lot of spam, but this one felt particularly personal, and it really rattled me."

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What is Sextortion?

Sextortion is a form of blackmail where someone threatens to release intimate or sensitive material unless the victim complies with their demands—often for money, sexual favors, or explicit photos.

The FBI reports scammers are getting bolder, incorporating personal information to intensify their threats.

While this form of extortion is nothing new, the inclusion of images from services like Google Maps adds an alarming layer of realism, making it easier for scammers to instill fear in their victims.

FBI Reports a Surge in Sextortion Cases

The FBI has noted an uptick in sextortion cases in recent years, many of which involve financial extortion.

In one notable example, social media giant Meta reported taking down over 63,000 Instagram accounts in Nigeria that were running sextortion schemes. Thousands of Facebook groups have also been removed for recruiting and training potential scammers.

The FBI warns that many of these predators are operating from countries like Nigeria, the Ivory Coast, and the Philippines. Motivated by financial gain, they often demand payment via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers.

What Should You Do if You’re Targeted by a Sextortion Scam?

Security experts urge anyone who receives a sextortion email to avoid engaging with the scammers. Do not send any explicit images or money, and do not open any attachments. It's also advisable to cover your webcam when not in use.

If you receive one of these emails, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or your local FBI field office. Document the emails and any attached information, as it could help law enforcement track down the perpetrators.

For those feeling overwhelmed by the threat, the FBI emphasizes that the images and information scammers obtain are typically publicly available, and the threats are often baseless. Reporting the scam is the most effective way to stop it from continuing.

If you or someone you know is facing a sextortion threat, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit tips.fbi.gov to report the crime.