You may be hearing about this threat for the first time, so let's explain what it's all about. In July, hundreds of thousands of people received emails claiming they were caught watching porn on their computer or phone. Even if you swear you've never watched any porn, you'll be on alert because the subject of the email contains your login and password! Your first reaction will likely be: "Damn, how did they get my password?"
The sextortion scam email is one of the most terrifying new scams of 2018—essentially, a blackmail email. The email claims that you were caught watching porn and that the sender, using malware and your camera, recorded you and the content you were viewing. The extortionist demands several thousand dollars to be sent to their Bitcoin account. If you don't pay, the extortionist threatens to send the recorded material to your friends, family, etc.
If you ignore the email, you'll receive a second email within 48 hours demanding a higher amount and with even greater aggression.
And what does such an email look like?
Subject: (username + password)
Let's cut to the chase. I am aware (password) is your password. More to the point, I am aware about your secret and I've proof of this. You don't know me and nobody paid me to examine you.
It is just your misfortune that I discovered your misdemeanor. In fact, I setup a malware on the adult video clips (porn material) and you visited this site to have fun (you know what I mean). When you were busy watching videos, your browser began working as a Rdp (Remote control desktop) with a key logger which provided me with access to your display as well as web cam. After that, my software program gathered every one of your contacts from messenger, social networks, and email.
After that I put in more hours than I should've into your life and made a double display video. First part displays the recording you had been watching and other part displays the view of your cam (its you doing inappropriate things).
Honestly, I'm ready to forget all about you and allow you to get on with your life. And I will present you two options that can achieve that. The above options are with the idea to ignore this letter, or simply just pay me $ 2700. Let us examine those 2 options in more details.
First Option is to ignore this email message. You should know what is going to happen if you take this option. I will send your video recording to your contacts including family members, co-workers, etc. It doesn't protect you from the humiliation you and your family will face when family and friends discover your dirty videos from me.
Other Option is to make the payment of $ 2700. We’ll name this my “confidentiality charges”. Here is what will happen if you pick this choice. Your secret remains your secret. I will destroy the video immediately. You move on with your life as if none of this ever occurred.
At this point you may be thinking, “I should call the cops”. Let me tell you, I've covered my steps to make sure that this email message cannot be traced returning to me also it won't steer clear of the evidence from destroying your daily life. I am not planning to dig a hole in your pocket. I am just looking to be paid for efforts and time I put in investigating you. Let's assume you decide to generate this all disappear completely and pay me the confidentiality fee. You'll make the payment through Bitcoins (if you do not know this, type "how to buy bitcoins" in google search)
Transfer Amount: $ 2700
Receiving Bitcoin Address: 1L*LDurXX7vYFNwWGN9RnEYcPK7PtDrX6N (Edit * from this string then note it)
Tell no one what you will use the bitcoin for or they possibly will not give it to you. The method to obtain bitcoin usually takes a short time so do not procrastinate.
I've a unique pixel in this e mail, and now I know that you have read through this message. You have one day to make the payment. If I don't get the Bitcoin, I definitely will send out your video recording to your contacts including close relatives, co-workers, etc. You better come up with an excuse for friends and family before they find out. Nevertheless, if I do get paid, I will destroy the video and all other proofs immediately. It's a non-negotiable offer, so don't ruin my time and yours. Time is running out. You should know that my tracker is going to be recording what action you are taking after you're done reading this email. Let me assure you that If you search anything suspicious then I will have to send your video recording to your family members, colleagues before time ends.
What to Do Next
Even though your password is listed in the email subject, there's no need to panic too much. The passwords likely come from hacked foreign forums, compromised porn sites, or the LinkedIn data breach from 2012... These are usually years-old passwords.
However, the password might still be valid, so immediately take preventive measures by changing your password everywhere you've used it, and do not respond to the email. It's just a very well-crafted phishing attempt.
Secondary Issue
Most extortion emails have been sent through Microsoft mail servers (Hotmail, Live, Outlook...), which means they are now listed on many blacklists, including those we use.
For more information on other cyber crimes, visit Cloudwards.net.