From time to time a different type of scam starts circulating again.
This time the email claims to come from the police, Europol, or another law enforcement agency.
The message often accuses the recipient of serious crimes such as child exploitation or illegal online activity.
The goal is simple: to shock the recipient into responding.
The attack pattern
The victim suddenly receives an email that appears to be from a police authority.
The message often includes:
official logos
names of real officials
references to legal articles
a formal looking document attached as PDF
The email claims that investigators have identified illegal activity.
It usually demands a response within 24–72 hours.
The objective
Once the victim responds, the scam moves to the next stage.
The attacker may attempt to:
demand payment to “close the case”
request identity documents
collect personal information
continue the extortion
Why the technique works
Unlike many phishing attacks, this scam relies on fear rather than curiosity.
Being accused of serious crimes can trigger panic and cause people to respond quickly without verifying the message.
What makes this easy to identify
Law enforcement authorities do not send criminal accusations by email.
If the police were actually looking for you, you would not receive a PDF attachment.
Someone would knock on your door.
2025 version:(in Norwegian)
https://www.dt.no/skrekkbeskjed-for-mange-vil-arrestere-deg-umiddelbart/s/5-57-2550760