We have received several different versions of this latest scam, as have our Clients. The reason the email appears alarming is the provision of a password that you have used in the past. Remember that part. IN THE PAST. I personally recognised this password as one i used over 10 years ago. If you receive a similar email and the quote a password you are currently using, then despite all the advice we give, you are failing to protect your online safety.
Passwords should be changed at least every 2 months for each and every online account you have. Whilst we hear a lost of groans when we say this, there are many free password protection vaults online that make it easy and secure to store your passwords.
The authors of the scam are getting the email and password information from data sold on the dark web, data leaked or hacked from main stream sites. Linkedin, Facebook, Talktalk etc. It is highly unlikely that access has not been gained to your computer and they do not have access to your contacts or webcam.
The email scam is simple blackmail and as long as you are changing your online passwords regularly, you can laugh at how pitiful these people are who earn their living from scamming others.
However, on the serious side, never respond to their email. This will confirm to them your email address is live and they will target you even harder.
Below is just one version of this email. (we have blanked out the password they provided, for our continued security).
It seems that, **************** – is your password. You may not know me and you are probably wondering why you are getting this e-mail, right?
Actually, I setup a malware on the adult vids (porno) web-site and guess what, you visited this site to have fun (you know what I mean). While you were watching videos, your internet browser started out functioning as a RDP (Remote Desktop) having a keylogger which gave me accessibility to your screen and web cam. After that, my software program obtained all of your contacts from your Messenger, FB, as well as email.
What did I do?
I backuped phone. All photo, video and contacts.
I created a double-screen video. 1st part shows the video you were watching (you’ve got a good taste haha . . .), and 2nd part shows the recording of your web cam.
What exactly should you do?
Well, I think, $800 is a fair price 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: 14zTuPJe9378APsULVsQEfW3k7yVLoVbno
(It is cAsE sensitive, so copy and paste it)
Important:
You have one day in order to make the payment. (I have a unique pixel in this e-mail, and at this moment I know that you have read through this email message). If I do not get the BitCoins, I will certainly send out your video recording to all of your contacts including relatives, coworkers, and so on. Having said that, if I receive the payment – I’ll destroy the video immediately. If you need evidence, reply with “Yes!” and I’ll send out your video recording to your 6 contacts. It is a non-negotiable offer, that being said don’t waste my and yours time by responding to this message.
