Widnes and Runcorn residents have received an email from a scammer claiming he has recorded the recipient’s use of adult internet sites.

These people have never used such sites and two would not be able to if they wanted to because of work place firewalls.

The scammer claims he has access to the recipient’s email address book and threatens, unless a ransom of $989 is paid, to email all contacts with a webcam recording of the recipient viewing the websites.

A spokesman for Halton Borough Council Trading Standards, said: “This email is a scam. If you receive it delete it without replying.”

For further information and advice about using the internet why not take a look at www.getsafeonline.org, it’s packed with useful information and tips for surfing safely and using communications online.

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam or fraud please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams