Police are warning people in Shepton Mallet to be on high alert after several reports of a blackmail phishing scam targeting local residents.

The scam involves receiving emails that appear to be sent from the victim's own account, with the sender falsely claiming to have hacked into their device and recorded compromising videos or images.

The scammers threaten to release these supposed files to the victim's contacts unless a ransom—often demanded in the cryptocurrency Litecoin—is paid within 48 hours. The aggressive tone of the emails has left many recipients feeling distressed, even if they are aware it is a scam.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "These emails are designed to intimidate and frighten, but they are nothing more than empty threats. Under no circumstances should anyone pay or respond to these messages. Report them immediately so we can help protect the community from further scams."

Police are urging residents to forward any suspicious emails to [email protected] for review, whether or not they are sure it is a scam. Those who have lost money or provided financial details should contact their bank immediately and report the incident to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Figures from Action Fraud reveal that more than 32 million suspicious emails have been reported since May 2024, leading to the shutdown of over 329,000 malicious websites.

The police spokesperson added: "We know that scams like this can be distressing, but you are not alone. If you receive one of these emails, take a deep breath and follow the reporting process. Support is available."