Police are warning Wells residents to be on high alert following a surge in reports of a sophisticated phishing scam designed to blackmail victims.

The scam involves emails that appear to be sent from the victim's own account, with the sender claiming to have installed spyware on their device and obtained compromising videos or images.

The scam email threatens to release these supposed files to the victim's contacts unless a ransom, often demanded in the cryptocurrency Litecoin, is paid within 48 hours. Even recipients who suspect the email is fraudulent have reported feeling shaken by the threatening tone.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "We're urging residents not to be intimidated by these messages. They're designed to cause fear and panic, but the threats are empty. Under no circumstances should anyone pay or reply to these emails. Instead, report them to the relevant authorities so we can work to shut down these scams."

Residents are being advised to forward any suspicious emails to [email protected], whether or not they are certain it is a scam. For those who have already lost money or provided financial information, it's important to act quickly by notifying their bank and contacting Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

According to the latest figures, more than 32 million suspicious emails have been reported to Action Fraud since May 2024, leading to the removal of over 329,000 malicious websites.

The police spokesperson added: "We want to reassure people that this type of scam is unfortunately common, but you are not alone. Please don't suffer in silence—report it and get the support you need."