I recently received this question based upon a e-mail with a PDF letter attached to it claiming the following:
YOUR NAME,
I know that calling YOUR NUMBER or visiting YOUR ADDRESS would be a better way to have a chat with you in case you don’t act. Don’t try to hide from this. You have no idea what I’m capable of in YOUR CITY.
It’s important you pay attention to this message right now. Take a moment to chill, breathe, and analyze it thoroughly. We’re talking about something serious here, and I ain’t playing games. You do not know me but I know you very well and right now, you are wondering how, correct?
Well, you’ve been a bit careless lately, scrolling through those videos and clicking on links, stumbling upon some not-so-safe sites. I placed a Malware on a porn website & you visited it to watch(you know what I mean). While you were busy watching those videos, your system initiated functioning as a RDP (Remote Control) which provided me with complete control over your device. I can look at everything on your screen, flick on your cam and mic, and you wouldn’t have a clue. Oh, and I’ve got access to all your emails, contacts, and social media accounts too.
Been keeping tabs on your pathetic life for a while now. It is just your misfortune that I stumbled across your misdemeanor. I put in more time than I probably should’ve exploring into your personal life. Extracted quite a bit of juicy info from your system. and I’ve seen it all. Yeah, Yeah, I’ve got footage of you doing filthy things in your house (nice setup, by the way). I then developed videos and screenshots where on one side of the screen, there’s the videos you were enjoying, and on the other part, its someone jerking off. With simply a single click, I can send this filth to all of your contacts.
I feel your worry and confusion. Actually, I want to wipe the slate clean, and allow you to continue with your daily life and forget you ever existed. I am about to offer you two alternatives.
Alternative one is to ignore this email message. Let us see what will happen if you opt this option. Your video will get sent to all of your contacts. The video was lit, and I can’t even fathom the embarrasement you’ll endure when your colleagues, friends, and fam watch it. But hey, that’s life, ain’t it? Don’t be playing the victim here.Option 2 is to pay me, and be confidential about it. We will call this my “privacy tip”. Lets see what will happen if you pick this option. Your secret will remain your secret. I will destroy all the data and evidence once you send payment. You will make the payment through Bitcoin only. Pay attention, I’m telling you straight: ‘We gotta make a deal’. I want you to know I’m coming at you with good intentions. My word is my bond.
Transfer Amount: USD 1950
BTC ADDRESS IS: 1FKJWVwRrrWztPL1DkmydEpHA57VhNt8Z5Once you pay up, you’ll sleep like a baby. I keep my word.
Note: You have one day to transfer the amount and I will only accept Bitcoins (I have a special pixel in this mail, and right now I know that you’ve read through this message). My system will catch that Bitcoin payment and wipe out all the dirt I got on you. Don’t even think about replying to this or negotiating, it’s pointless. The email and wallet are custom-made for you, untraceable. If I catch that you’ve shared or discussed this mail with anyone else, your garbage will instantly start getting sent to your contacts. And don’t even think about turning off your phone or resetting it to factory settings. It’s pointless. I don’t make mistakes, YOUR NAME.
Honestly, those online tips about covering your camera aren’t as useless as they seem. I am waiting for my payment.
As you might gather, the sender claims to have compromised the computers of the recipient. Is this possible? The short answer is yes, but the likelihood is no. The biggest risk is opening the PDF attached to the e-mail then loading something malicious onto the computer. The second biggest risk is pursuing the course of action dictated by the bad actor of the e-mail. Even if you do pay the demand, it would be unlikely they would keep their word even if they had control over your system.
Emails that try to scare you by claiming they have seen you viewing porn online are called “sextortion emails” and are a common type of phishing scam designed to manipulate victims into paying money to prevent their supposed private activity from being exposed to others; they often use phrases like “we have recorded your screen while watching porn,” “your private videos are in our possession,” or “we know what you’ve been doing online.”
Key characteristics of sextortion emails:
- False claims of surveillance:
They often state they have hacked your computer or phone and have recorded your screen while viewing adult content. - Threat of exposure:
The email will threaten to send your supposed “pornographic” videos to your contacts, family, or colleagues unless you pay a certain amount of money. - Urgency tactic:
These emails usually create a sense of urgency by demanding immediate payment to prevent the exposure. - Poor grammar and suspicious sender:
Often, the emails contain grammatical errors and are sent from a seemingly random email address.
What to do if you receive a sextortion email:
- Do not panic:
These emails are almost always scams and should not be taken seriously. - Do not respond or pay:
Engaging with the sender by replying or paying the demanded amount only encourages them to continue the scam. - Report the email:
Forward the email to your email provider’s spam folder and report it as phishing. - Consider changing passwords:
If you are concerned about potential security breaches, review your passwords and consider changing them on important accounts. - Contact authorities if necessary:
In rare cases where you believe your personal information has been compromised, contact your local law enforcement or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
For more information, Google or read more about it here:
