Jump to content

Large email extortion campaign underway, DON'T PANIC!


nukecad

Recommended Posts

  • Moderators

An old scam is back, it never realy went away but has suddenly increased again - no doubt trying to target/exploit increased computer use during the current C-19 lockdowns.

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/large-email-extortion-campaign-underway-dont-panic/

Quote

A large email extortion campaign is underway telling recipients that their computer was hacked and that a video was taken through the hacked computer's webcam. The attackers then demand $1,900 in bitcoins or the video will be sent to family and friends.

 

PS. I've also seen reports of a variant of the email that says they have hacked your smartphones camera and address book.

*** Out of Beer Error ->->-> Recovering Memory ***

Worried about 'Tracking Files'? Worried about why some files come back after cleaning? See this link:
https://community.ccleaner.com/topic/52668-tracking-files/?tab=comments#comment-300043

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

- Yes, I received such an emails as well (now and in the past). The scammers overlooked - at least - one thing. I have put a piece of paper over the build-in video camera. So, I know that anyone who tries to blackmail me with a video is lying.

System setup: http://speccy.piriform.com/results/gcNzIPEjEb0B2khOOBVCHPc

 

A discussion always stimulates the braincells !!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderators

I have my webcam disabled in Device Manager (have no use for it, and wish I had bought a laptop without one included), although periodically after Windows Updates it's wise to make sure Windows hasn't re-enabled it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...

- And the extortionists are back. Last tuesday I received another blackmail email with a similar threat. "Pay me USD 950 or an embarrasing video will be put out on the internet". But this threat is meaningless because I have covered my camera in my laptop with a sticker.

 

I still have the email.  The email was supposedly sent by myself to myself. But how can I blackmail myself ? 

Is it possible to somehow find out the email adress from which the email was sent ? I assume that the email itself somehow would / should contain a return email adress from which the email was sent.

Aren't hackers able to re-enable that device driver (assuming they are really that smart) ?

System setup: http://speccy.piriform.com/results/gcNzIPEjEb0B2khOOBVCHPc

 

A discussion always stimulates the braincells !!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderators

Just delete it and don't worry about it.

(If you found where it came from what would you do anyway? They change all the time, it's easy these days)

Do check here once a month or so to make sure your email address or phone number hasn't been gathered from somewhere.

https://haveibeenpwned.com/

Look at the menu there and you'll find the same check for passwords.

*** Out of Beer Error ->->-> Recovering Memory ***

Worried about 'Tracking Files'? Worried about why some files come back after cleaning? See this link:
https://community.ccleaner.com/topic/52668-tracking-files/?tab=comments#comment-300043

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.