According to TechFlow, on September 20, according to Bitcoin.comNews, the Maryland State Police issued a warning that a phishing scam targeting Gmail users is spreading in the state. According to the Maryland State Police Financial Crimes Division, several related cases have been reported in August and September.

The scammers send emails containing Google Maps photos of potential victims' homes to their Gmail accounts and demand a ransom via Bitcoin. The scammers claim to have compromising information about the victim, such as evidence of viewing pornography, and threaten to make the information public if Bitcoin is not paid. Police remind the public to remain vigilant, not click on suspicious links, avoid sharing personal information online, and stay calm under pressure. Victims should report the crime to local law enforcement or file a complaint.