The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) warns the Army community to be aware of Internet extortion and blackmail scams and report any instance where a Soldier, Army dependent, or Army civilian is or has been faced with threats involving the payment of money or other valuables. If you receive a phone call or email you believe to be an extortion attempt, take the following measures: (1) if the safety or wellbeing of someone is in imminent danger, contact local law enforcement immediately; (2) do not reply to the email, click on any links, or open any attachments; (3) report the email to the Internet Crime Complaint Center; (4) file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission; (5) report the email to your email and Internet service provider; (6) move the email to your SPAM folder; (7) if contacted through social media, report the contact to the social media provider. Soldiers, Army civilians, and their family members who have been threatened with extortion should contact their installation Military Police or CID office. Individuals can also call CID at 1-844-ARMY-CID (844-276-9243).
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