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Is the Porn Blackmail Scam Real?

by Josh Kirschner on April 22, 2020

What would you do if you received an email from someone claiming to have hacked your computer and recorded you via your webcam while you were engaged in watching porn, then threatening to send the video to everyone in your email and social media contact lists if you don’t pay a $260 ransom? Would you pay the ransom? Even if you’ve never viewed porn, what if they made the same threat to reveal the private details of all your emails?

This is exactly the situation some of our readers found themselves in recently, and they contacted us for help on how to proceed.

Here is an example of one the emails [grammatical errors left intact]:

Good Morning my friend. I represent the group of web criminals in Iran. I use this mail address because we think that you will check it. Few times ago my team put the virus on web-site with porn and as far as you clicked on a play button your system started shooting your screen and activating camera to capture you self-abusing. Eventually I mean you understand what compromising evidence Ive earned. Moreover, this software made your device act as dedicated server with plenty of functions like keylogger, parser etc. To sum up, my software picked all data, especially all your contacts from messengers, e-mails, social networks. If you wanna make me silent you must make a transaction of 260 dollars with bitcoin. 1K2auXQEKz7Ro8cRa2xr3bAPV2n6KT5vi1 You must use it as usual credit card number. If you send bitcoins nobody will see your shame. Watch youtube manuals about methods of buing BTC... I can offer you this exchanger: localbitoins.com.  If you have a problem with this, you can search comfortable ATM for bitcoin at coin atm radar. I give you no more than twenty four hours since you read our message to pay. You can complain cops, but they can not find us I use bot network, and of course we live abroad. If you want us to show proofs we will share it to seven mates from your data after that you will be given their contacts. So you will ask them if something strange was received about you. For some questions just reply. Dont be fullish, AmAZinGcRackeR$.

Scary, right? And there have been instances where victims’ computers were hacked, they were filmed in various states of undress (or worse) and then blackmailed that may make this threat seem all too real. But there are several indications that this is nothing more than a phishing scam, hoping to rope in active porn watchers with false threats (an easy demographic to target via mass email given that the world’s largest porn site, Pornhub.com, gets 75 million visitors PER DAY).

First, there is nothing in the email that demonstrates they know anything personally about you: it’s not addressed to you by name and there’s no detail about what site you supposedly visited and when. Nor did they supply a screenshot of the “self-abusing” they allege to have captured. In fact, they are explicitly discouraging you from asking for proof, by threatening to share said “proofs” with your “mates” if you ask. That is completely contrary to how we would expect a real hacker/blackmailer to act – if I wanted to scare the bejesus out of you to get you to pay, the first thing I would do is show you a compromising screen capture to prove that this is very, very real.

Another red flag is that when our readers ran scans using antimalware tools, no malware was detected. Antimalware tools aren’t perfect, but the better ones should have picked up the type of remote administration tool (RAT) described in the email.

Searching the web, there are reports of people receiving similar email scams, going back at least to last fall. The wording of the email varies, including where the scammers claim they’re from, the nature of their threat and the amount of money being demanded. Some people are falling for them, but fortunately not many. I researched a selection of the bitcoin accounts used in these scams and none of the emails had duped more than a handful of victims.

Unfortunately, these scams will likely continue and morph into new threats as the ubiquity of bitcoin makes it easier for scammers to hide behind these accounts and for victims to pay. In fact, while this article was originally written in March of 2018, Sophos security recently released a new study, based on millions of porn blackmail emails that were sent between September 2019 and March 2020, demonstrating this to be the case. During that period, sextortion emails made up 4.23% of all spam observed by Sophos. The study also showed scammers are using new methods for obfuscating email content to evade spam filters, enabling them to collect nearly a half million dollars in payments from victims during the same period. Fortunately, despite some payouts, potential victims seem to be becoming wise to the scam, as only half a percent of the Bitcoin addresses used in the spam messages received any payment, according to Sophos.

So, if you get one of these emails, should you pay the ransom before all your friends find out what you’ve been up to?

The answer is no, don’t be “fullish”.

[EDITOR'S NOTE REGARDING PASSWORD APPEARING IN THE EMAIL SCAM 7/12/18: A number of people have posted in the comments that they received a version of the email which includes a real password they've used in the past. Does this mean that they should be concerned? The answer is No and Yes. No, you shouldn't be concerned that your computer was hacked and you were actually filmed watching porn - it's still a scam. But, yes, you should be concerned that your password has been leaked through a data breach. Security researcher Troy Hunt has uncovered more than 500 million passwords leaked through these breaches. That password in the email was likely one of them. 

If it is still an active password for you, the scam email should be a big wake up call that you need to ensure you are using unique and secure passwords for every one of your accounts. We strongly recommend a password manager like Dashlane or 1Password , which will automatically check your passwords to see if they have been revealed in a breach and help you create unique, secure ones for every site.]

[EDITOR'S NOTE WARNING ABOUT ATTACHMENTS 7/20/18: One reader reported receiving an attachment titled "Invoice" with the porn scam email. If you get an attachment, DO NOT OPEN IT. Email attachments are one of the primary ways hackers use to install malware on your computer, which could turn this fake malware scam into a very real one.]

[EDITOR'S NOTE ABOUT EMAIL SPOOFING 10/19/18: Many readers are commenting that the porn blackmail email appears to be sent from their own email address, causing added concern the hacking claims may be real. But don't be fooled. Email spoofing has been around for a long time and is relatively easy to do. Usually the message headers will reveal the true sending email address. Here's how to tell if an email has been spoofed.]

[EDITOR'S NOTE ABOUT WORK VS PERSONAL EMAILS 1/21/19: A number of people are expressing concern in the comments that the blackmail email is coming to their work email, instead of their personal email (or both). It doesn't matter — an email address is a email address as far as this scam goes. Billions of emails have been leaked over the years, many of those from business-focused services such as Dropbox, LinkedIn and Adobe. If I check to see which of my email addresses have been involved in breaches, my work email has been breached many more times than my personal email.

Originally published 3/12/18. Updated 4/22/2020 with new data from Sophos

[Image credit: Man in a dark room at a computer via BigStockPhoto]


Topics

Computer Safety & Support, News, Computers and Software, Blog


Discussion loading

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From Anonymous on July 10, 2018 :: 6:32 pm


I recieved something this morning that was similar but in the subject line it had my password. Although my password is case sensitive and the cases were wrong. Should I be worried?

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From Anon on July 10, 2018 :: 7:04 pm


I received the same email as New Twist. Has my first name and a password. Asking for 1900 bucks. I ran Malware Bytes and found Geneio Innovations malware. Has anybody found this malware on their computer?

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From Jay on July 11, 2018 :: 4:08 am


I got the same e-mail this morning

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From Terry on July 10, 2018 :: 7:09 pm


The website Bitcoin Address Lookup page can check the BTC ID and see if others are reporting it…. you can see you are not alone: https://bitcoinwhoswho.com/address/1JHwenDp9A98XdjfYkHKyiE3R99Q72K9X4/urlid/12305693

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From Terry on July 10, 2018 :: 9:30 pm


You can also use Cisco’s free SpamCop.net service… to report the offending email (make sure you post all the message header and message component) at https://www.spamcop.net/

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From AM on July 10, 2018 :: 11:01 pm


I received an email with my name in perfect English that said they accessed my webcam while I visited a porn site. The person threatened to share a split screen image of me and said video if I did not send bitcoin $1900 within 24 hours. Aside from never having visited a porn site, I also have no web cam. It came from an @outlook.com address and gave a BTC address to send money that was a long string of numbers and letters. They closed by telling me not to waste my time replying to the email but also offered to send proof if I replied “yes”. Weird. I think I’m good!

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From Jay on July 11, 2018 :: 4:12 am


I got this message this morning. They sent me one of my old passwords I havent used in a few years.

“It seems that, [PASSWORD REMOVED], is your pass word. You do not know me and you’re probably wondering why you are getting this mail, correct?

actually, I installed a malware on the adult videos (pornography) web-site and do you know what, you visited this site to experience fun (you know what I mean). While you were watching videos, your internet browser began functioning as a RDP (Remote Desktop) that has a key logger which provided me with access to your display and web camera. Right after that, my software program obtained your entire contacts from your Messenger, FB, and email.

What exactly did I do?

I created a double-screen video. 1st part displays the video you were viewing (you’ve got a fine taste omg), and 2nd part displays the recording of your web cam.

exactly what should you do?

Well, in my opinion, $1900 is a fair price for our little secret. You will make the payment via Bitcoin (if you do not know this, search “how to buy bitcoin” in Google).

BTC Address: 1JHwenDp9A98XdjfYkHKyiE3R99Q72K9X4
(It is cAsE sensitive, so copy and paste it)

Important:

You have one day to make the payment. (I have a specific pixel in this e-mail, and at this moment I know that you have read this email). If I do not get the BitCoins, I will definitely send your video to all of your contacts including family members, co-workers, and so forth. Nevertheless, if I receive the payment, I’ll erase the video immidiately. If you really want proof, reply with “Yes!” and I definitely will send out your video to your 12 friends. This is the non-negotiable offer, and thus do not waste my time and yours by replying to this message.”

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From Jay on July 11, 2018 :: 4:15 am


BTW the password they sent me was published in a breach a few years ago. So it would be easily accessible.

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From Any mouse on July 13, 2018 :: 2:30 am


Subject: <username> - <burner password haven’t used in ten years>

I am aware, , is your pass word. You do not know me and you’re probably thinking why you are getting this mail, correct?

In fact, I actually setup a malware on the adult vids (porn material) web site and do you know what, you visited this web site to have fun (you know what I mean). While you were watching videos, your internet browser started out working as a RDP (Remote Desktop) with a key logger which provided me with access to your screen and also web camera. Right after that, my software program gathered every one of your contacts from your Messenger, FB, as well as email.

What exactly did I do?

I created a double-screen video. 1st part displays the video you were watching (you have a fine taste lmao), and second part displays the recording of your web camera.

What should you do?

Well, I believe, $2900 is a fair price for our little secret. You will make the payment by Bitcoin (if you do not know this, search “how to buy bitcoin” in Google).

BTC Address: <another randomly generated wallet with no transaction history>
(It is cAsE sensitive, so copy and paste it)

Important:
You now have one day to make the payment. (I have a unique pixel in this e mail, and right now I know that you have read through this email). If I do not receive the BitCoins, I will certainly send out your video recording to all of your contacts including members of your family, coworkers, and
many others. Nonetheless, if I receive the payment, I’ll erase the video immidiately. If you want evidence, reply with “Yes!” and I will certainly send out your video recording to your 12 contacts. It’s a non-negotiable offer, thus don’t waste my time and yours by replying to this mail.

——
comments:

So the password was an insecure burner password that I used when forums and vendors required me to sign up for stuff to look at things.. and that I stopped using about ten years ago.

the “unique pixel in this e mail”, I work in IT security.. the email was sent as plain text, there were no images or links. no way they could tell if I read it or not, and most modern email clients don’t display images by default as it’s a bad idea.

Even if they somehow did what they claimed.. laptop is always closed during porn viewing (masturbation is healthy, have to keep the pipes working, endorphins running, etc.. everyone does it, if they don’t they should) so don’t know what you’re going to see.

most likely they got my info in some data breach, if it’s a weak password, it’s trivial to crack. hell you can google the password hash and find the password half the time.

with these scams, _never_ give them money.  This was obviously crafted to scare people, in hopes that enough people send them money to make it profitable.  This is why 419 nigera scams keep working, and spam email keeps working.  There are some people who are easily duped out there.  Don’t be one of them.  Worst that would happen, A video of you gets out of you doing something natural, so what.

What you can do, make sure you have good data backups… multiple.. and off site. Ones that always backup without you having to do anything are great.

Don’t use the same damn password everywhere.  Use a password manager, at the very least use it for those sites that are important, and use a unique password for every site.  If you want some passwords you don’t care about for dumb forums or whatever, sure.. still not a bad idea to make them unique some how. but at least triage and take care of the important stuff.

Enable two factor where you can.  That protects you even if your password gets out.

Security is a lot of work, and it sucks that you have to go through these steps to stay safe… but it’s important that you do, because assholes who send these emails are out there.

Stay safe and go masturbate to something. wink

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From Mark on July 11, 2018 :: 6:08 am


I also got a similar email to those reported here but the difference is it not only had my first and last name in the subjrct title but also one of my most commonly used passwords. Does this make it more likely to be real?

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From Don't Fall For It on July 11, 2018 :: 6:23 am


I got the email with an old password too last night. Must admit it was a bit worrying but sites like these with threads where you can see that others got the exact same email helps. After reading that others also got it and how it could be a data breach, I did a search for all the sites that have had data breaches and looked through the list and there’s one on there that I know I had signed up to (a dating site about 8-10 years ago) where I had used the exact same password that I got emailed. So I would say they got our details from that data breaches, which does suck knowing that your password is out there, but just make sure you update all your passwords so it’s not the old password and don’t fall for this scam.

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From sammbarre on July 11, 2018 :: 4:09 pm


I just got the email and they referenced an old password of mine that’s never been associated with my email. And, as it happens, I just updated my email password last week. Don’t own a computer, just an iPhone and iPad and have never been on a porn site. Bastards. Quick trying to mess with people.

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From DD on July 11, 2018 :: 5:52 pm


I got the similar email threatening to release split screen video of me watching porn… lol

BUT, the subject line was my password?  Should I be worried?

I ran a Bit Defender scan and it does not show any corruption.

Here is the email:

I know, FIRST NAME and REAL PASSWORD, is your pass word. You may not know me and you’re probably thinking why you are getting this mail, right?

Let me tell you, I installed a malware on the adult video clips (porn) web-site and you know what, you visited this web site to have fun (you know what I mean). While you were watching videos, your browser began operating as a RDP (Remote Desktop) with a key logger which provided me access to your screen and also webcam. Immediately after that, my software gathered all your contacts from your Messenger, FB, as well as email.

What exactly did I do?

I made a double-screen video. First part shows the video you were viewing (you have a good taste hehe), and second part displays the recording of your web cam.

What should you do?

Well, I believe, $1900 is a fair price tag for our little secret. You’ll make the payment through Bitcoin (if you don’t know this, search “how to buy bitcoin” in Google).

BTC Address: 1KsKtrYQ6ZfGEsZweq4TPWBkSCgGfXRL3b
(It is cAsE sensitive, so copy and paste it)

Important:

You now have one day in order to make the payment. (I have a special pixel within this message, and at this moment I know that you have read this message). If I do not receive the BitCoins, I will, no doubt send out your video to all of your contacts including friends and family, colleagues, and so on. Nonetheless, if I receive the payment, I will destroy the video immidiately. If you really want evidence, reply with “Yes!” and I definitely will send your video recording to your 14 friends. This is a non-negotiable offer, and so don’t waste my time and yours by replying to this e-mail.

Reply

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From Ted on July 11, 2018 :: 6:36 pm


I received an almost identical email using my first name and a current password. I received a general email a month ago but was reassured when I found this site and discovered how common these emails are and that it is a scam. However, seeing a password of mine being used in the blackmail does make me worry. Reading above it seems using passwords in the email is becoming common so I feel more reassured but still it is a worry.

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From Any mouse on July 13, 2018 :: 2:59 am


So if they have a current password, odds are you should probably change that password.

Use a password manager.  There are many free ones available.  I like KeePass as you can keep the data stores in Google drive or similar cloud based shared storage, and there are clients for PC, Mac, Android, IPhone, etc.. and since it’s not relying on a 3rd party to keep your passwords, it’s secure.  You do have to back this file up.. several times in different locations to be safe.  Which leads me to the next point.

Backups.  You can’t have too many backups.  I would get an automatic cloud based backup system such as SpiderOak, or Backblaze.  These systems continually backup changes to the cloud, so you don’t have to think about it.  In addition you want to make local backups occasionally, and store those off site, such as a friend or family members house.

Back on passwords.  Length is key.  So longer pass phrases. Not only are they easier to remember, they are less annoying to type and exponentially more difficult to crack.  They still should be unique though so no direct phrase from a book.

Unique passwords per site.  Site’s get compromised all the time.  If you use the same password everywhere, that breach is massive to you.  If it’s just for that site.. or a few sites (say all forums get a password based on the same thing) then it’s not a big deal.  Change the one password and move on.

You shouldn’t have to worry about the email you got. But sounds like it could be wake-up to beef up your personal data security practices. 

We all get lazy, myself included… I got the same email.  And well I did some password changing, since one of my important passwords probably wasn’t as secure as it should be.  When I created it it was, but that was many many years ago.  Computing has gotten way faster, so anything less than a complex 8 character password, or maybe not as complex but a couple characters more, is as good as cracked.  Have a nice pass phrase now for that account.

Good luck.

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From Tal on October 23, 2018 :: 1:29 pm


Hi. Did you do anything or got a following email from them? I got so terrified when I got the email today.

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From shelly on February 19, 2019 :: 6:34 am


i got the same email twice over the last 3 weeks just delete them they only want $799 from me lol

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From DH on July 11, 2018 :: 7:13 pm


I received a message like this today at my work email address. Addressed to me and providing me with a password I use for multiple things. Indicating malware/keylogger was installed and then the usual script about the website and my activity. I wouldn’t be too worried after reading many of the comments here and other places but having that password has me concerned. Thoughts??

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From GH on July 11, 2018 :: 8:21 pm


I am so glad I found this site to help reassure me, some people do like to smash one out now and then… who would want everyone they know seeing you pumping away in a dark room lol..

when you see your password in an e-mail it does indeed make you worry :S

I had a good look over the terribly worded mail and checked the source code, it’s got nothing hidden in it so the magic pixel to tell the scammer you read the mail is BS, all these scumbags have is a stolen password, your name and e-mail from some mass data breach of a website you once logged into and a hope they will catch people who watch porn and fear they will be exposed to everyone they know..

below is the crap I got

——————————————-

Subject of (my first name - one of my pws)

I am aware, (ONE OF MY PWs), is your pass word. You may not know me and you are probably thinking why you are getting this email, right?

In fact, I setup a malware on the adult vids (pornography) web site and do you know what, you visited this site to experience fun (you know what I mean). While you were watching video clips, your web browser began working as a RDP (Remote Desktop) that has a keylogger which provided me with access to your screen and cam. Just after that, my software gathered all your contacts from your Messenger, Facebook, as well as email.

What did I do?

I created a double-screen video. 1st part displays the video you were watching (you’ve got a nice taste ; )), and 2nd part displays the recording of your webcam.

What should you do?

Well, I believe, $1900 is a reasonable price for our little secret. You’ll make the payment through Bitcoin (if you do not know this, search “how to buy bitcoin” in Google).

BTC Address: 1Unoc4af6gCq3xzdDFmGLpq18jbTW1nZD
(It is cAsE sensitive, so copy and paste it)

Note:

You have one day in order to make the payment. (I’ve a unique pixel in this email message, and at this moment I know that you have read this message). If I do not receive the BitCoins, I will certainly send your video to all of your contacts including close relatives, colleagues, etc. Nevertheless, if I do get paid, I will destroy the video immidiately. If you need evidence, reply with “Yes!” and I will send your video recording to your 10 contacts. It is a non-negotiable offer, that being said don’t waste my time and yours by responding to this e-mail.

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From Tyler on July 11, 2018 :: 8:34 pm


you don’t know me and you’re thinking why you received this e mail, right?

Well, I actually placed a malware on the porn website and guess what, you visited this web site to have fun (you know what I mean). While you were watching the video, your web browser acted as a RDP (Remote Desktop) and a keylogger which provided me access to your display screen and webcam. Right after that, my software gathered all your contacts from your Messenger, Facebook account, and email account.

What exactly did I do?

I made a split-screen video. First part recorded the video you were viewing (you’ve got a fine taste haha), and next part recorded your webcam (Yep! It’s you doing nasty things!).

What should you do?

Well, I believe, $1200 is a fair price for our little secret. You’ll make the payment via Bitcoin to the below address (if you don’t know this, search “how to buy bitcoin” in Google).

BTC Address: 18AVxMK2KHimbrTJVEeUYM3LxLfD9RoR3o
(It is cAsE sensitive, so copy and paste it)

Important:

You have 24 hours in order to make the payment. (I have an unique pixel within this email message, and right now I know that you have read this email). If I don’t get the payment, I will send your video to all of your contacts including relatives, coworkers, and so forth. Nonetheless, if I do get paid (after payment, send an email to misszero@protonmail.com), I will erase the video immidiately. If you want evidence, reply with “Yes!” and I will send your video recording to your 5 friends. This is a non-negotiable offer, so don’t waste my time and yours by replying to this email.

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From Tyler on July 11, 2018 :: 8:36 pm


And has anyone had Any pictures or videos posted?

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From Lots of activity today on July 11, 2018 :: 8:43 pm


I got this phishing email today and it scared the hell out of me. I’m assuming a lot of others have too today based on some comments and datestamps. Leads me to believe it’s more phishing. Mine came with an old common password I use in the subject line. But the rest of the email was pretty generic - no friends names, my name excluded, etc… I would think if it were real they would have more info to include.

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From Kellie Kulton on July 11, 2018 :: 9:33 pm


I got this tonight:

“I know, xxxxxxx, is your pass word. You do not know me and you’re most likely thinking why you’re getting this mail, correct?

actually, I actually placed a malware on the adult vids (porno) web site and guess what, you visited this web site to experience fun (you know what I mean). While you were watching videos, your internet browser began operating as a RDP (Remote control Desktop) having a keylogger which provided me with accessibility to your display screen and cam. after that, my software collected every one of your contacts from your Messenger, Facebook, as well as email.

What exactly did I do?

I made a double-screen video. 1st part displays the video you were viewing (you’ve got a good taste haha . . .), and second part shows the recording of your web camera.

exactly what should you do?

Well, I believe, $3900 is a reasonable price for our little secret. You will make the payment by Bitcoin (if you don’t know this, search “how to buy bitcoin” in Google).

BTC Address: 1AWKTr1vq3946tyuxG7Q1mLcJum4rjnmro
(It is cAsE sensitive, so copy and paste it)

Note:
You have one day to make the payment. (I’ve a specific pixel within this email, and at this moment I know that you have read this email). If I do not receive the BitCoins, I definitely will send out your video recording to all of your contacts including close relatives, colleagues, etc. Having said that, if I receive the payment, I will destroy the video immidiately. If you want proof, reply with “Yes!” and I will certainly send out your video to your 15 contacts. This is the non-negotiable offer, so please don’t waste my personal time and yours by replying to this e mail.”

Thank you for this post… this was alarming. The only thing that really didn’t ring true was the fact that I haven’t visited any adult porn sites…

Is there any authority that oversees this kind of thing that we should be reporting this to?

Thank you.
K

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From Any mouse on July 13, 2018 :: 3:06 am


$3900… well I guess the $2900 demand in my email I got isn’t all that.  Here I thought I was special.

You can report that the bitcoin address is being used for scamming here:

https://bitcoinwhoswho.com/address/1AWKTr1vq3946tyuxG7Q1mLcJum4rjnmro/urlid/12634854

Looks like a few already reported it.  The bitcoin wallets are just a bunch that are pre-generated and assigned at random.  Everyone I’ve looked up so far has thankfully has no transaction history, which is good.  That means people are not falling for it.

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From MS on July 11, 2018 :: 10:15 pm


Got a very similar email, also with an older password I haven’t used in years, also asking for $1900.

I do recommend looking up the bitcoin account at bitcoinwhoswho.com and reporting the scam. In the space of an hour the bitcoin account in the email I received had received 2 scam alerts which weren’t there when I first checked. If you go to that site you have to sign up to log a spam report. it also point you to links to report to FBI. Totally worth doing since these emails are scary and some folks will be paying that money for sure. Mine below.

Also, keep your webcam covered unless you’re using it. Even Zuckerberg does that…

I know, [PASSWORD REMOVED], is your pass word. You may not know me and you’re probably wondering why you’re getting this email, correct?

In fact, I installed a malware on the adult vids (porn) web-site and do you know what, you visited this website to experience fun (you know what I mean). While you were watching video clips, your internet browser started out working as a RDP (Remote control Desktop) with a key logger which gave me accessibility to your screen as well as web camera. Just after that, my software program gathered your entire contacts from your Messenger, social networks, as well as email.

What did I do?

I made a double-screen video. First part shows the video you were watching (you’ve got a good taste haha . . .), and next part shows the recording of your web cam.

exactly what should you do?

Well, in my opinion, $1900 is a fair price for our little secret. You will make the payment via Bitcoin (if you don’t know this, search “how to buy bitcoin” in Google).

BTC Address: 1MQNUSnquwPM9eQgs7KtjDcQZBfaW7iVge
(It is cAsE sensitive, so copy and paste it)

Note:
You have one day to make the payment. (I’ve a unique pixel in this email, and now I know that you have read this mail). If I do not get the BitCoins, I will send out your video to all of your contacts including relatives, colleagues, and so on. However, if I receive the payment, I will erase the video immidiately. If you need evidence, reply with “Yes!” and I will certainly send out your video to your 12 contacts. This is the non-negotiable offer, and thus please do not waste my time and yours by responding to this email message.

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From MS on July 12, 2018 :: 9:21 am


In the 12 hours since I received this scam, this bastard scammer with the bitcoin address in my email went from having 0 transactions and 0 scam reports in his bitcoin account to having 3 scam reports and yet he’s amassed close to $4000 overnight based on the reports on www.bitcoicwhoswho.com. Makes my blood boil that they are preying on people’s shame and embarrassment like this.

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From Makes-my-blood-boil's-link-is-malware on July 18, 2018 :: 8:00 pm


The real address is www.bitcoinwhoswho.com !!!!

The link in the above post set off all the alamrs in my anti-virus programs!!!!

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From Tabitha on July 18, 2018 :: 8:39 pm


It look like it was a simple typo. There is a “c” where there should be an “n”. I’m sure it was an honest mistake.

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From Avi on July 17, 2018 :: 12:12 am


I wonder if there is something we can do collectively to get even.
——————————

Let’s get straight to the point. I know wtfptf is your pass word. More to the point, I know about your secret and I have evidence of your secret. You don’t know me and nobody paid me to look into you.

It is just your misfortune that I came across your misadventures. Let me tell you, I placed a malware on the adult video clips (sexually graphic) and you visited this website to experience fun (you know what I mean). While you were watching videos, your browser started out functioning as a Rdp (Remote control desktop) that has a keylogger which provided me with access to your display and webcam. Immediately after that, my software program collected your complete contacts from your facebook, and e-mail.

I then put in more time than I should have into your life and generated a two view video. First part shows the recording you had been watching and other part displays the recording of your cam (its you doing inappropriate things).

Honestly, I want to forget everything about you and let you move on with your life. And I will give you two options that may accomplish that. The two choices are to either ignore this letter, or perhaps pay me $3200. Let’s examine those 2 options in more detail.

First Option is to ignore this email message. You should know what is going to happen if you pick this path. I will send your video to all of your contacts including close relatives, coworkers, etc. It will not protect you from the humiliation you and your family will feel when friends find out your dirty details from me.

Option 2 is to send me $3200. We’ll name it my “privacy fee”. Now let me tell you what happens if you choose this path. Your secret remains your secret. I’ll erase the video immediately. You continue on with your life that none of this ever happened.

Now you must be thinking, “I should call the cops”. Without a doubt, I have taken steps to ensure that this e mail can’t be traced to me and it won’t steer clear of the evidence from destroying your life. I am not planning to steal all your savings. I just want to get paid for efforts and time I placed into investigating you. Let’s assume you have chosen to produce pretty much everything go away and pay me my confidentiality fee. You’ll make the payment by Bitcoin (if you do not know how, type “how to buy bitcoins” in search engine)

Required Amount: $3200
Bitcoin Address to Send to: 1AeMyWdsjHk4rAexuAz46R6yjPjvHTLyB9
(It is case sensitive, so copy and paste it)

Tell no-one what will you be sending the bitcoin for or they possibly will not provide it to you. The procedure to acquire bitcoins can take a short time so do not put it off.
I’ve a unique pixel in this message, and now I know that you’ve read this email message. You now have one day to make the payment. If I do not receive the Bitcoins, I will definitely send your video recording to your contacts including friends and family, colleagues, and many others. You better come up with an excuse for friends and family before they find out. However, if I do get paid, I’ll destroy the video immediately. It’s a non-negotiable one time offer, so kindly do not ruin my time & yours. Your time is running out.

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From Davey on July 17, 2018 :: 4:35 pm


I would love to get even, but I don’t have the necessary technical forensic skills in this area. Perhaps someone here does. But I know that Bitcoins does not offer complete anonymity. We have the Bitcoin addresses that they want sent to. perhaps someone knows how to use that to trace it to the originator of these emails.

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From Charles Metzger on July 11, 2018 :: 10:51 pm


Got the same type of weird bad English email demanding $2900 in bitcoin, but they had a portion of an old password I used several years in the past.  Also stated they would send video to my 9 contacts…..I have hundreds.  Does the fact that they somehow have the majority of an old password concern you?

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From MS on July 11, 2018 :: 11:20 pm


I managed to search my browser saved passwords and see that this emaill/pw combo was one I used for MySpace. Used one of the comments links earlier in this thread to search https://haveibeenpwned.com. The MySpace data ended up on the dark market with a combo of email and first 10 characters of password. Maybe that’s what happened to you?

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From Tim on July 11, 2018 :: 11:15 pm


you don’t know me and you’re thinking why you received this e mail, right?

Well, I actually placed a malware on the porn website and guess what, you visited this web site to have fun (you know what I mean). While you were watching the video, your web browser acted as a RDP (Remote Desktop) and a keylogger which provided me access to your display screen and webcam. Right after that, my software gathered all your contacts from your Messenger, Facebook account, and email account.

What exactly did I do?

I made a split-screen video. First part recorded the video you were viewing (you’ve got a fine taste haha), and next part recorded your webcam (Yep! It’s you doing nasty things!).

What should you do?

Well, I believe, $1200 is a fair price for our little secret. You’ll make the payment via Bitcoin to the below address (if you don’t know this, search “how to buy bitcoin” in Google).

BTC Address: 18AVxMK2KHimbrTJVEeUYM3LxLfD9RoR3o
(It is cAsE sensitive, so copy and paste it)

Important:

You have 24 hours in order to make the payment. (I have an unique pixel within this email message, and right now I know that you have read this email). If I don’t get the payment, I will send your video to all of your contacts including relatives, coworkers, and so forth. Nonetheless, if I do get paid (after payment, send an email to misszero@protonmail.com), I will erase the video immidiately. If you want evidence, reply with “Yes!” and I will send your video recording to your 5 friends. This is a non-negotiable offer, so don’t waste my time and yours by replying to this email.

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From Just got this on July 12, 2018 :: 12:17 am


I’m aware, xxxxxx, is your pass word. You may not know me and you’ré most likely thinking why you’re getting this é mail, right?

Let me tèll you, I placed ä malwàre on the adult vids (séx sites) site and thére’s more, you visited this web site to havè fun (you know what I mean). While you were wátching video clips, your web browser started out opèrating ás a RDP (Remote Dèsktop) hâving a key logger which gave mé access to your scréen ând webcam. aftèr that, my software program obtainèd your éntire contacts from your Messéngér, FB, and emáil.

What exactly did I do?

I created a double-screèn vidéo. First part shows thé vidéo you were viewing (you’ve got a good taste : )), ând next párt shows thé recording of your webcam.

What should you do?

Well, I believè, $2900 is a reasonable pricé tag for our littlè secret. You’ll máke the paymènt via Bitcoin (if you do not know this, search “how to buy bitcoin” in Google).

BTC Addréss: 1A8Ad7VbWDqwmRY6nSHtFcTqfW2XioXNmj
(It is cAsE sensitive, so copy and paste it)

Important:

You háve one day to mäke the paymént. (I have a spécial pixél within this email, and at this moment I know thàt you hávé read this mail). If I do not receive the BitCoins, I will, no doubt send your video to all of your contacts including relatives, colleagues, étc. However, if I do gèt pàid, I’ll èräse the video immidiatély. If you wánt proof, reply with “Yès!” and I will send out your vidèo to your 9 friends. This is â non-negotiablé offer, so do not wãstè my timè and yours by rèsponding to this e-mail.

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From Eugene on July 12, 2018 :: 1:29 am


This one had me worried since they had my actual computer username and password in the subject field, however never mentioned my name anywhere, here is the content of the email:

I know, <erased>, is your password. You may not know me and you are probably wondering why you are getting this email, right?

In fact, I setup a malware on the adult videos (porn) web-site and do you know what, you visited this site to experience fun (you know what I mean). While you were watching video clips, your web browser started operating as a RDP (Remote Desktop) with a keylogger which provided me with accessibility to your display and also web cam. Just after that, my software gathered all of your contacts from your Messenger, social networks, and email.

What did I do?

I made a double-screen video. 1st part displays the video you were watching (you have a good taste : )), and next part displays the recording of your webcam.

What should you do?

Well, I believe, $2900 is a fair price tag for our little secret. You will make the payment through Bitcoin (if you don’t know this, search “how to buy bitcoin” in Google).

BTC Address: 19EdHu5QJX5mAQ3fbXnsQ6utCvXDLT4LNG
(It is cAsE sensitive, so copy and paste it)

Note:

You have one day to make the payment. (I have a specific pixel in this e mail, and at this moment I know that you have read through this message). If I do not receive the BitCoins, I will definately send out your video recording to all of your contacts including family members, co-workers, etc. Having said that, if I receive the payment, I’ll destroy the video immidiately. If you want proof, reply with “Yes!” and I will certainly send out your video recording to your 14 contacts. This is a non-negotiable offer, and so don’t waste my time and yours by replying to this email.

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From Ben on July 12, 2018 :: 2:45 am


The email is below but my worry is they actually show one of my passwords, now have I visited porn yes but if they filmed me it’s just me looking at the screen so pretty boring lol so not concerned about a video but I am concerned about the password as it’s real.

Email received

It seems that, *******, is your password. You do not know me and you are probably thinking why you are getting this e-mail, correct?

Let me tell you, I placed a malware on the adult videos (pornography) web-site and there’s more, you visited this website to experience fun (you know what I mean). While you were watching videos, your web browser began working as a RDP (Remote control Desktop) having a keylogger which gave me access to your display and also web cam. Right after that, my software gathered all of your contacts from your Messenger, social networks, as well as email.

What exactly did I do?

I created a double-screen video. 1st part displays the video you were viewing (you’ve got a good taste haha), and second part displays the recording of your web cam.

What should you do?

Well, I believe, $1900 is a fair price tag for our little secret. You’ll make the payment by Bitcoin (if you do not know this, search “how to buy bitcoin” in Google).

BTC Address: 1FxFJvP6c9NmBtqbVrWUTkkcPYf8Aor1dM
(It is cAsE sensitive, so copy and paste it)

Important:

You now have one day in order to make the payment. (I’ve a specific pixel within this email, and right now I know that you have read this mail). If I do not receive the BitCoins, I will send your video recording to all of your contacts including relatives, coworkers, and many others. However, if I receive the payment, I will erase the video immidiately. If you want to have proof, reply with “Yes!” and I will send your video recording to your 10 friends. This is the non-negotiable offer, and so don’t waste my time and yours by responding to this e mail.

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From lee on July 12, 2018 :: 4:27 am


I received one today they started the email with my username and password for my computer ?

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From Tyson on July 12, 2018 :: 8:00 am


The only difference with the email I got was that they wanted to pay me for more pictures. Haha.
Honestly I think they get full names and email addresses from possible fake websites or dark websites who sell peoples personal information like pay day loan sites.
Once they have your name they can go to Facebook and look up a whole lot of other needed information to add to their emails.

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From Lauren on July 12, 2018 :: 1:18 pm


This is a work email and she sent the email saying I have your password (which is a password for some things not all) and to pay $2900 bitcoin ransom….should I be worried about this one?

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From Josh Kirschner on July 12, 2018 :: 1:22 pm


Lots of passwords have been leaked in data breaches. Yours was probably one of them.

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From MS on July 12, 2018 :: 2:01 pm


I just got my second of these emails in the space of 24 hours - this time to another email address with a different (also old) password of mine, and a new Bitcoin address. Reported this one too.

1DULdsSARR1fH6D6DV7otavbmUQka3J9uP

Josh, aside from reporting on bitcoinwhoswho.com is it worth filing with the FBI Internet Crimes reporting page too? I did for the first one but I don’t have the time to do it if they’re going to keep coming twice a day if it’s a futile activity in the first place.

Thanks so much for providing this place that can make us all more comfortable.

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From Cesar on July 12, 2018 :: 3:40 pm


Seems that those given a deadline of 24 hours might have hit that.. Anything happen?

Mine had my first name and phone # on subject line. Also my zip code in the body of the email.

I checked my info on my email account and seems this is all info I had posted there so changed my password and added the two factor verification. Hope it’s all good.

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From Michael on July 12, 2018 :: 4:12 pm


This the the email i received this afternoon,

I do know, xxxx, is your pass word. you do not know me and you are most likely wondering why you are getting this e-mail, correct?

Well, I setup a malware on the adult videos (porn material) and guess what, you visited this web site to have fun (you know what I mean). While you were watching video clips, your web browser started out operating as a Rdp (Remote control desktop) having a keylogger which gave me access to your screen as well as web camera. After that, my software obtained every one of your contacts from messenger, social networks, and email.

What did I do?
I have made a double-screen video. 1st part shows the video you were viewing (you’ve got a nice taste omg), and second part displays the recording of your cam.

What should you do?
Well, I believe, $1200 is a fair price for our little secret. You will make the payment via Bitcoin (if you don’t know this, search “how to buy bitcoin” in google).

BTC ADDRESS: 1AgHpx8SbUwLqnzo8WtJYefJqMitM3PKb3
(It’s cASe sensitive, so copy and paste it)

Important:
You now have one day in order to make the payment. (I have a unique pixel in this email message, and at this moment I know that you have read through this message). If I don’t get the Bitcoin, I will definitely send your video to all of your contacts including family members, co-workers, and so forth. however, if I receive the payment, I will destroy the video immediately. If you want to have proof, reply with “yes!” and I will send your video to your 15 contacts. It’s a non negotiable offer, thus don’t waste my personal time and yours by replying to this e mail.

The problem is that i do watch adult videos, and usually use a webcam? Do you think i should be worried and is this a scam?

Thanks I am very worry and stressed right now

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From GH on July 12, 2018 :: 7:16 pm


Chill out Michael, its just a scam… loads of people are getting these, they are counting on you believing them and paying them money, nothing more.

What you should do, if you still use the password that’s out and about in the dark web, get it changed on everything you use to something new, that’s all you need to do, they DO NOT have any footage of you, there is no secret pixel in the email, it will all be fine and you get can back to watching quality porn… Also if you want to be extra careful, cover your webcam with some tape or a vinyl dot wink its how Zuckerberg watches his porn lol

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From Michael on July 12, 2018 :: 7:35 pm


Hey man thanks for the reply really calmed me down, but i wanna make sure I watch on cam sites and usually open my cams and record videos as well, are u sure they can’t get me, i store the footage in a safe place

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From Michael on July 12, 2018 :: 7:40 pm


some of the confidential stuff and recordings i put on dropbox i am worried they might have my stuff pls advise me!

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From GH on July 12, 2018 :: 8:51 pm


Yea don’t worry they have nothing, trust me if you had serious people targeting you, they would send a little preview of what they had to expose you to guarantee you pay up..

You had the same really template msg as me and many others.

Also see : https://krebsonsecurity.com/2018/07/sextortion-scam-uses-recipients-hacked-passwords/

Just use this experience to take extra care as the next time they might get you for real.

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From Michael on July 12, 2018 :: 4:23 pm


he uses a outlook email address: bmydeborazt@outlook.com

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From Phil on July 12, 2018 :: 5:22 pm


I received a similar email this afternoon - clearly there’s a batch going out today, including an old password I know to be compromised via some website breach or another. It included my name, but my email address is in the format <firstname>@<domain> so that could be easily guessed, and the capitalisation suggests that it was.

Worth noting that although the email claims that it includes a pixel, the message I received is plain text only, so this is clearly not true. Technically the described compromise seems extremely implausible (I have an obscure email setup, 2FA for important accounts, rarely type passwords by hand, etc.), but not easily completely ruled out, which I guess is the point.

Also worth thinking about what would happen if such a video were distributed to my contacts - I can’t imagine many of them would admit to having watched it!

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From BH on July 12, 2018 :: 10:12 pm


Relieved to see many others have received the same or almost the same e-mail I received today show below asking for $2900.  Why is it always $1900, $2900 or $3900?

Received this morning:

“I do know, *****, is your password. You don’t know me and you are probably thinking why you’re getting this email, right?

In fact, I actually setup a malware on the adult vids (pornographic material) web-site and there’s more, you visited this website to have fun (you know what I mean). While you were watching videos, your web browser began functioning as a RDP (Remote control Desktop) that has a keylogger which provided me access to your screen and web cam. after that, my software program collected all your contacts from your Messenger, social networks, and email.

What exactly did I do?

I created a double-screen video. 1st part displays the video you were viewing (you’ve got a good taste : )), and second part shows the recording of your web cam.

What should you do?

Well, in my opinion, $2900 is a fair price tag for our little secret. You’ll make the payment through Bitcoin (if you do not know this, search “how to buy bitcoin” in Google).

BTC Address: 1MzVdeNm4aoN1zWiTuD7U4iibeBsk2DAtX
(It is cAsE sensitive, so copy and paste it)

Note:
You now have one day in order to make the payment. (I’ve a specific pixel in this message, and right now I know that you have read this message). If I do not get the BitCoins, I will send your video to all of your contacts including relatives, coworkers, and so forth. However, if I receive the payment, I’ll destroy the video immidiately. If you really want evidence, reply with “Yes!” and I will certainly send out your video to your 11 friends. It is a non-negotiable offer, thus please do not waste my time and yours by responding to this e-mail.*

Thanks for this Web site alerting all to this scam.

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