Back to Fake Interpol Email Extortion

This is a version of Fake Interpol Email Extortion.

What’s different in this version

These traits set this message apart from the usual pattern.

How this scam works

  1. 1

    Step 1: You receive an email that looks official (Interpol logo, legal wording) with a subject like “Update on an ongoing administrative offense.”

  2. 2

    Step 2: The message asks you to open an attached document that cites a made-up case number and a short deadline (often 48 hours).

  3. 3

    Step 3: The attachment instructs you to reply to a non-official email address to avoid arrest or public exposure.

  4. 4

    Step 4: If you respond, the scammer ramps up the fear and demands payment (sometimes via bank transfer, crypto, or gift cards) or sensitive information to “close the case.”

  5. 5

    Step 5: If you ignore them, the threats continue for a while and then stop. Real law enforcement does not work this way.

✓ Do this

  • Stay calm. Real police do not email threats or demand payment by email.
  • Delete the email without replying. If you opened the attachment, run a security scan.
  • Verify concerns directly with your local police using phone numbers from their official website.
  • Keep a copy (screenshots) if you plan to report it.

✗ Avoid this

  • Do not reply to the sender or the contact email in the attachment.
  • Do not pay any “fines,” buy gift cards, or send crypto to resolve this.
  • Do not open unknown attachments or click links from unexpected legal threats.
  • Do not share your full name, ID numbers, bank details, or passwords.