MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) — Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is warning consumers about extortion attempts sent by email. Officials from the DATCP stated, "Consumers should know how to respond if and when they are faced with an extortion attempt." “Positive step”: Green Bay Mayor issues statement on the city’s, Packers Lambeau Field lease discussions The fraudulent emails claim to possess private and potentially damaging video recordings or personal information about the target. To appear more convincing, scammers may include accurate details about the recipient, such as a home address or a Google Maps image of their residence. "The tone of the messages may imply the scammer has been watching them closely, and for a long time," the DATCP added. Scammers often claim that the recipient has visited unsafe websites, supposedly allowing them to gain access to the target’s devices. The emails may also suggest that the scammer can remotely access webcams and phone cameras to record video. The scammer typically threatens to release the alleged information to the target’s colleagues, family, and friends unless a payment is made. Payment is often requested through cryptocurrency, making it difficult for banks or government agencies to trace and nearly impossible to recover. Teenager arrested in Wisconsin for burglarizing a local business "Consumers can expect these emails to communicate a sense of urgency and demand quick payment to avoid the release of the private information," said the DATCP. If you receive an email fitting this description, the DATCP recommends the following steps: Do not panic. It is unlikely the scammer truly has compromising video. Ignore the message. Do not contact any listed phone numbers, click on links, or open attachments. Never send money. Scammers may also request payment through gift cards, cash, or wire transfers. Change your passwords. If the scammer references having a password, update it across all accounts, using unique passwords for each. “Deadly serious matter”: Former Wisconsin Correctional Lieutenant sentenced, provided weed and phone to inmate The DATCP advises reporting extortion attempts to their office, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, or the Federal Trade Commission. No additional details were provided.