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Sextortion & blackmail emails

A threatening email claims to have hacked your webcam or device and recorded you watching adult content, demanding payment (usually in Bitcoin) or they will send the "video" to your contacts. The claim is almost always a bluff - they have no video. They may quote an old leaked password to scare you.

Warning signs

  • A claim that your camera was hacked and you were recorded.
  • A Bitcoin ransom demand with a short deadline.
  • An old password of yours quoted to "prove" the hack (it came from a data breach).

Example

I hacked your device and I have a video of you. Pay USD 1500 in Bitcoin to this address within 48 hours or I will send the video to your contacts. I know your password.

Made-up example - not a real message.

How to protect yourself

  1. 01Do not pay and do not reply - the recording almost never exists.
  2. 02If a quoted password is still in use anywhere, change it now.
  3. 03Cover your webcam and keep your devices updated for peace of mind.

Already caught out?

  1. 01Delete the email; do not pay the ransom.
  2. 02Change any reused passwords and enable 2FA.
  3. 03If you already paid, report it to the police.

Sources

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