(Riverton, WY) – Area law enforcement agencies are warning residents about concerning scams currently circulating in the state, including a new extortion scheme involving mailed letters that reference child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
The Natrona County Sheriff’s Office and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force have received multiple reports in the past 24 hours from residents who received threatening letters in the mail. The letters, sent with a Canadian postal stamp, claim the recipient clicked a suspicious internet link that allowed hackers to plant illegal images on their devices. The letters then demand payment through Bitcoin, Coinbase, or Cash App within 36 hours, even going so far as to mention the names of family members to intimidate recipients.
Authorities urge anyone who receives such a letter not to open it, not to send money, and not to respond to the sender. Instead, residents should report the incident to their local law enforcement agency or contact the Casper DCI Office at (307) 261-2194.
“This scheme is not only about extortion, it weaponizes some of the most serious crimes imaginable,” said NCSO ICAC Task Force Officer Drew Cotton. “Making a report to law enforcement ensures we can investigate quickly, protect potential victims, and hold offenders accountable.”
Meanwhile, the Riverton Police Department reports an increase in additional scams in the community:
Counterfeit Money: Fake “movie prop” bills are being used in local transactions. Officials advise businesses and residents to carefully inspect cash.
Jury Duty Phone Scams: Scammers are calling community members, falsely claiming they missed jury duty and demanding personal information. Law enforcement reminds the public that legitimate courts will not request sensitive information by phone.
Identity Theft Attempts: Scammers are asking for Social Security numbers, bank account details, and other private information over the phone.