While this has been happening for a while, it’s worth highlighting that our
friends over at Action Fraud have received over 9,473 reports of this particular
email scam. The sextortion phishing
scam, which was first identified by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau
(NFIB) in July 2018, continues to be reported to Action Fraud in high numbers.
To catch their potential victims attention the emails sent to them
contain their own passwords in the Subject line. This initially causes
panic. The scammers then demand a
payment in Bitcoin to stop them from sharing videos of them visiting adult
websites from their computer or device. In some cases there have been no visits
to adult websites, scammers have merely obtained or bought passwords on the
dark web or elsewhere but rely on reputational panic setting in.
So what does this email look
like?
They read along these lines:
“It Seems that, XXXXXX, is your password. I require your complete
attention for the upcoming 24 hrs, or I may make sure you that you live out of
guilt for the rest of your lifetime.
Hey, you do not know me personally. However I know all the things
concerning you. Your present fb contact list, mobile phone contacts along with
all the digital activity in your computer from past 176 days.
Which includes, your self pleasure video footage, which brings me to the
main motive why I’m composing this particular mail to you.
Well the last time you went to see the porn material websites, my
malware ended up being activated inside your computer which ended up
documenting a beautiful footage of your self pleasure play by activating your
cam. (you got a unquestionably weird taste by the way haha)
I have the full recording. If, perhaps you think I am playing around,
simply reply proof and I will be forwarding the particular recording randomly
to 8 people you know”
As I’m sure you’ve spotted, poor translation or broken English is a clue
that you are being scammed here.
What do I do if I receive this
sort of email?
Firstly, do not reply to the email or click on any links contained
within it. Instead, report it to: report@phishing.gov.uk Then delete it.
Sextortion scams are a type of phishing attack which scammers and fraudsters
regularly attempt. Passwords are used to
make this look more convincing.
Always keep in mind that data breaches and in particular data which is sold and traded in places like the dark web happens. Practicing good digital hygiene, eg never using the same password more than once and protecting your personal information are good ways to help keep you and your family safe.
For more information on Action Fraud Click Here
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>> Read the full article at waynedenner.com
Wayne Denner is a speaker, author and expert on Online Reputation and Wellbeing. Wayne helps young people protect and improve their digital presence. Visit waynedenner.com for more information.
