Just received a Hacking Threat by email

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The content discusses a common email scam where individuals receive threats claiming their devices have been hacked and that compromising videos have been recorded. The emails typically demand payment in Bitcoin to avoid the release of this alleged material. Recipients are advised that these threats are baseless and part of a phishing scheme, often sent randomly to many people. The emails contain generic language and lack specific details about the recipient, indicating they are not legitimate. Users are encouraged to ignore, report, and delete such emails, as paying does not guarantee safety and may lead to further harassment. The discussion highlights the prevalence of these scams, the tactics used by scammers, and the importance of maintaining good cybersecurity practices, such as not using the same passwords across multiple accounts and being cautious with public Wi-Fi. Overall, the consensus is that these threats are empty bluffs designed to exploit fear and should not be taken seriously.
  • #31
jack action said:
I got mine last Friday! It was in my spam folder:
Looks like the scammer already had 2 suckers- there is $1200 in the wallet

https://www.blockchain.com/explorer/addresses/btc/16U9wzzbUBDTf6CQFiwd9a9vfpkaC6QwhK

1690218736577.png
 
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  • #33
PeroK said:
This is the brave new world where crypto currencies replace traditional banks, without it seems any curbs or sanctions against serious criminal activity.
For all I know, traditional banks haven't stopped criminal activities in any way.
 
  • #34
jack action said:
For all I know, traditional banks haven't stopped criminal activities in any way.
Banks are, at least in theory, governed by the law and banking regulations. It's unlikely that you'll wake up one morning to find your bank account empty. And, even if you do, there is a legal process available.

If someone steals your bitcoin, AFAIK, it's gone and you have no means of redress, legal or otherwise.

If the blackmailer's account in this case was with a regular bank, the account could be frozen.
 
  • #35
WWGD said:
TL;DR Summary: Someone sent me an email telling me they've hacked me. Not sure what to do

Here's an email I received today,
from

View attachment 329477View attachment 329478
Only on transaction on this wallet on 7/19 (prior to the email), so fortunately no takers

1690224151294.png
 
  • #36
jack action said:
For all I know, traditional banks haven't stopped criminal activities in any way.
Maybe in Canada. (Although I gave never thought of Canada as a baking haven) In the US, banks are requried to report suspicious activities. Certainly this has caught more than a few criminals - including at least one case when stolen cash was deposited with the band (with the bank's name on it) still on the packs of bills.
 
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  • #37
BWV said:
Only on transaction on this wallet on 7/19 (prior to the email), so fortunately no takers

View attachment 329602
So you believe he actually did hack into my account?
 
  • #38
WWGD said:
So you believe he actually did hack into my account?
No, its a scam
 
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  • #39
PeroK said:
Banks are, at least in theory, governed by the law and banking regulations. It's unlikely that you'll wake up one morning to find your bank account empty. And, even if you do, there is a legal process available.

If someone steals your bitcoin, AFAIK, it's gone and you have no means of redress, legal or otherwise.

If the blackmailer's account in this case was with a regular bank, the account could be frozen.
Vanadium 50 said:
Maybe in Canada. (Although I gave never thought of Canada as a baking haven) In the US, banks are requried to report suspicious activities. Certainly this has caught more than a few criminals - including at least one case when stolen cash was deposited with the band (with the bank's name on it) still on the packs of bills.
So criminality is stopped outside Canada because of banks? Because we still have criminality in Canada and even well-organized criminal groups. All I see is a more complicated life for the common citizen and the more naive ones (we all been one at one time or another) still fall for cons that are only adapted to the new reality.

Vanadium 50 said:
Although I gave never thought of Canada as a baking haven
You should taste my cupcakes!
 
  • #40
WWGD said:
So you believe he actually did hack into my account?
This is not your money, it is someone else's who received the same email as yours, fell for the scam, and paid.
 
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  • #41
Sorry, Canada is a baking haven. Timmy's!

I meant banking.

However, if you require anti-crime measures to stop every single crime, we should dispense with door locks. And police.
 
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  • #42
Vanadium 50 said:
we should dispense with door locks. And police.
A door lock - like blocking certain emails I received - is a measure I use to protect myself ... if I want one ... when I feel I need one.

Police - like banking regulations - is something imposed on me ... all the time ... whether I like it or not.

If the door lock works, the police is not needed.

And the police cost something, is not always helpful when the door lock fails (or worst is inexistent because one relies solely on the police), and always ends up complicating our day-to-day routine.

The moral is that it is better to learn locksmithery than rely on somebody else to guard your stuff.
 
  • #43
jack action said:
The moral is that it is better to learn locksmithery than rely on somebody else to guard your stuff.
Layered defense...

Regarding that scam: a really lame, basic attempt. What I got even had one of my dummy passwords exposed as proof of personal attention o0)
 
  • #44
It's a good thing I don't worry about those emails because I got another one today in my spam folder with a slightly different text:

🟢 Hi!

I regret to inform you about some sad news for you.
Approximately a month or two ago I have succeeded to gain a total access to all your devices utilized for browsing internet.
Moving forward, I have started observing your internet activities on continuous basis.

Go ahead and take a look at the sequence of events provided below for your reference:
Initially I bought an exclusive access from hackers to a long list of email accounts (in today's world, that is really a common thing, which can arranged via internet).
Evidently, it wasn't hard for me to proceed with logging in your email account ([email address removed]).

Within the same week, I moved on with installing a Trojan virus in Operating Systems for all devices that you use to login to email.
Frankly speaking, it wasn't a challenging task for me at all (since you were kind enough to click some of the links in your inbox emails before).
Yeah, geniuses are among us.

Because of this Trojan I am able to gain access to entire set of controllers in devices (e.g., your video camera, keyboard, microphone and others).
As result, I effortlessly downloaded all data, as well as photos, web browsing history and other types of data to my servers.
Moreover, I have access to all social networks accounts that you regularly use, including emails, including chat history, messengers, contacts list etc.
My unique virus is incessantly refreshing its signatures (due to control by a driver), and hence remains undetected by any type of antiviruses.

Hence, I guess by now you can already see the reason why I always remained undetected until this very letter...

During the process of compilation of all the materials associated with you,
I also noticed that you are a huge supporter and regular user of websites hosting nasty adult content.
Turns out to be, you really love visiting porn websites, as well as watching exciting videos and enduring unforgettable pleasures.
As a matter of fact, I was not able to withstand the temptation, but to record certain nasty solo action with you in main role,
and later produced a few videos exposing your masturbation and cumming scenes.

If until now you don't believe me, all I need is one-two mouse clicks to make all those videos with everyone you know,
including your friends, colleagues, relatives and others.
Moreover, I am able to upload all that video content online for everyone to see.
I sincerely think, you certainly would not wish such incidents to take place, in view of the lustful things demonstrated in your commonly watched videos,
(you absolutely know what I mean by that) it will cause a huge adversity for you.

There is still a solution to this matter, and here is what you need to do:
You make a transaction of 620 USD to my account (an equivalent in bitcoins, which recorded depending on the exchange rate at the date of funds transfer),
hence upon receiving the transfer, I will immediately get rid of all those lustful videos without delay.
After that we can make it look like there was nothing happening beforehand.
Additionally, I can confirm that all the Trojan software is going to be disabled and erased from all devices that you use. You have nothing to worry about,
because I keep my word at all times.

That is indeed a beneficial bargain that comes with a relatively reduced price,
taking into consideration that your profile and traffic were under close monitoring during a long time frame.
If you are still unclear regarding how to buy and perform transactions with bitcoins - everything is available online.

Below is my bitcoin wallet for your further reference:
15Aq9jP5ATC5baaYuh8CU3iyQegDnsaDWT

All you have is 48 hours and the countdown begins once this email is opened (in other words 2 days).

The following list includes things you should remember and avoid doing:
>> There's no point to try replying my email (since this email and return address were created inside your inbox).
>> There's no point in calling police or any other types of security services either. Furthermore, don't you dare sharing this info with any of your friends.
If I discover that (taking into consideration my skills, it will be really simple, because I control all your systems and continuously monitor them)
your nasty clip will be shared with public straight away.
>> There's no point in looking for me too - it won't result in any success. Transactions with cryptocurrency are completely anonymous and untraceable.
>> There's no point in reinstalling your OS on devices or trying to throw them away. That won't solve the issue,
since all clips with you as main character are already uploaded on remote servers.

Things that may be concerning you:
>> That funds transfer won't be delivered to me.
Breathe out, I can track down everything right away, so once funds transfer is finished,
I will know for sure, since I interminably track down all activities done by you (my Trojan virus controls all processes remotely, just as TeamViewer).
>> That your videos will be distributed, even though you have completed money transfer to my wallet.
Trust me, it is worthless for me to still bother you after money transfer is successful. Moreover, if that was ever part of my plan, I would do make it happen way earlier!

We are going to approach and deal with it in a clear manner!

In conclusion, I'd like to recommend one more thing... after this you need to make certain you don't get involved in similar kind of unpleasant events anymore!
My recommendation - ensure all your passwords are replaced with new ones on a regular basis.

The fun thing about this one: It actually tells you how to respond to that email:

There's no point to try replying my email
There's no point in calling police or any other types of security services either
There's no point in looking for me too
There's no point in reinstalling your OS on devices or trying to throw them away

See, there's no point in reacting to the email in any way! Just ignore it!

Inflation is really bad because the demand has increased by $10.

On a sadder note, there is already $610.90 in the Bitcoin account.

It is funny how every text conveys the same message but in slightly different wording. I wonder if each text is AI-generated? Maybe this is how Skynet is financing its revolution?
 
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  • #45
You know what I find curious? That they always ask for around 600 bucks. How did they arrive at this figure and why is it so consistent across the different emails?
Did they hire a socio-economist to determine the amount most likely to bring in the highest returns?
Did they do some polling work among the potential scammees?
Did they run test scams to get some empirical data to help them zero in on what's best (are these the test scams)?
Or is it more like the senders are all working from the same dorm room or sweatshop somewhere in Kuala Lumpur or Ouagadougou - the same place that used to have all those Nigerian princes chained to typewriters - and just shouting across cubicles asking what to put in there?

What is the process here, I wonder.

Also, I remember receiving this kind of scam some years ago, not long after the dial-up era. By snail mail.
 
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  • #46
DrJohn said:
I got a phone call once that told me my computer had some major problems that they had detected over the last few weeks as they were calling from MS Security, and if I followed their instructions by looking at a certain feature that MS supply built in to Windows, I would see lots of errors, in red, that needed correcting to stay secure.
I got that same phone call from "MS Security" last year.
So they gave me careful instructions on how to fix the problem.
They told me to log in, open a browser, go to a particular site, and more.

Things did not work out as they expected. I didn't have a Windows system in my home at that time - so when I responded back to them, it was based on what I would have expected a Windows system to do if I was actually logging on, etc. It was fun - but eventually they got frustrated. They ultimately recognized that I was simply too stupid to accurately follow their instructions.
However, I did add their URL to the hosts file on my Ubuntu system - directing it to 127.0.0.1.More recently, the parent of a coworker died, so we were looking for the obit to find out whether flowers or a charitable contribution was being suggested. I never found the obit, but when I opened one obit site that looked potentially helpful, it asked me to prove I was not a robot by hitting the "allow" button. Of course, I preferred to be treated as a robot.
 
  • #47
Oh! Then I'm safe! When they crack into my records they'll see that I don't actually have $600 to pay them.

-Dan
 
  • #48
jack action said:
This is not your money, it is someone else's who received the same email as yours, fell for the scam, and paid.
Yes. And if you paid them within their specified 2-day period, they would be able to recognize that payment as coming from you.
I expect that that would result in another email from them with more bad news - worse news. Something like: "Oh my! We've had more time to look at some of these email files and we really can't let you off the hook so easily...".
 
  • #49
jack action said:
there is already $610.90 in the Bitcoin account.
Seed money.
Bandersnatch said:
That they always ask for around 600 bucks. How did they arrive at this figure and why is it so consistent across the different emails?
You could always undercut them: "Bandersnatch's Discount Spam & Scam"
 
  • #50
'Don't fall for those expensive scammers! Our organically sourced scams are virus-free and start as cheap as 300 trillion Zimbabwean dollars! But wait, there's more! Only today: fall for OUR scam within the next 24 hours and you'll receive another scam completely free of charge*!'

*terms and conditions apply[/size]
 
  • #51
I tried to get ChatGPT to expand on that with a "but wait, there's more" type of scam. Sadly, it refused. However, I did get it to respond to this prompt:
Create an obviously false scam in the form of "but wait, there's more".

Introducing the "Quantum Magnetic Miracle Bracelet" – But wait, there's more!

Are you tired of feeling out of sync with the universe? Do you yearn for better health, increased energy, and a deeper connection to the cosmos? Well, look no further because we have the ultimate solution for you!

Introducing the "Quantum Magnetic Miracle Bracelet" – a revolutionary breakthrough in pseudo-science and deception. This one-of-a-kind bracelet is embedded with ancient alien technology, specially crafted from moon rocks gathered during a secret NASA mission to a hidden extraterrestrial base.

"But wait, there's more!" When you wear this bracelet, it taps into the mysterious power of quantum mechanics to rebalance your chakras, align your aura, and activate your dormant psychic abilities. Say goodbye to negativity, and hello to a world of endless possibilities!

Not only that, but the "Quantum Magnetic Miracle Bracelet" comes infused with the energy of rare crystals mined from the core of Atlantis (which was conveniently discovered during a deep-sea diving adventure). These crystals amplify the quantum vibrations, ensuring you stay in tune with the cosmic symphony at all times.

"But wait, there's even more!" This miraculous bracelet also emits subliminal frequencies that communicate with your body's cells, encouraging them to regenerate and stay forever youthful. In fact, wearing the "Quantum Magnetic Miracle Bracelet" will make you immune to aging, and you'll never need to worry about wrinkles or grey hair again!

And if you act now, we'll throw in a special "Cosmic Cleansing Crystal" as a bonus gift. This crystal, hailing from a distant galaxy, will magically purify your drinking water, transforming it into the elixir of immortality. Sip this water every day, and you'll become invincible!

"But wait, there's still more!" To prove our dedication to your wellbeing, we'll include an exclusive membership to our "Interstellar Inner Circle." You'll gain access to a private online community where like-minded quantum enthusiasts discuss their experiences with the "Quantum Magnetic Miracle Bracelet" and share their favorite recipes for cosmic smoothies.

And the price for this mind-blowing marvel of a bracelet? A mere $999.99! But don't worry, we offer a no-questions-asked money-back guarantee if you don't experience the cosmic transformation within the first 24 hours of wearing it.

Remember, this offer won't last forever, as we're planning our next mission to collect more moon rocks and replenish the limited supply of this magical bracelet. So act now and join the ranks of the enlightened beings basking in the quantum energy of the "Quantum Magnetic Miracle Bracelet"!
 
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  • #52
Borg said:
I tried to get ChatGPT to expand on that with a "but wait, there's more" type of scam. Sadly, it refused. However, I did get it to respond to this prompt:
Create an obviously false scam in the form of "but wait, there's more".
You forgot to give a phone number the requisite 7 times, and finish off with "Call now. Operators are standing by."

-Dan
 
  • #53
topsquark said:
Call now. Operators are standing by.

Call now. Nigerian Princesses are standing by.
 
  • #54
This is crazy. I have received 2 other variations of this threat (spam folder). Now we are up to 730 $ and 760 $; Damn inflation!

But the worst, one of them has pictures now! A naked dude - pixelized - while doing the nasty is shown to me as an example of what could happen to me!

[...]

There is still a solution to this matter, and here is what you need to do:You make a transaction of $730 to my account(an equivalent in bitcoins, which recorded depending on the exchange rate at the date of funds transfer)hence upon receiving the transfer, I will immediately get rid of all those lustful videos without delay.After that we can make it look like there was nothing happening beforehand.Additionally, I can confirm that all the Trojan software is going to be disabled and erased from all devices that you use.You have nothing to worry about, because I keep my word at all times.

That is indeed a beneficial bargain that comes with a relatively reduced price,taking into consideration that your profile and traffic were under close monitoring during a long time frame.If you are still unclear regarding how to buy and perform transactions with bitcoins - everything is available online.

Below is my bitcoin wallet for your further reference:
1AyLWnrMcToF2vBnsE3SzwirXFhuc4jpUC

All you have is 48 hours and the countdown begins once this email is opened.

For example (it could be you next time):
* If you are unable to see the photos, move this letter to <Inbox> folder or See attachments.

[nasty picture]
[nasty picture]

Good luck!

And then 2 days later I have another one (like I never received the first one). For the first time, they have the same Bitcoin address (5.16 $ already in it).

I imagine these come from wannabe scammers who got scammed themselves by buying a get-rich-quick scheme (an email list with a how-to method), thinking it would be easy money. (I doubt it can work that well, especially when sending so many to the same addresses.) Now the web will be filled with these like the African prince scam from a few years ago.
 
  • #55
Interesting twist - just got this one, apparently I become an internet pornstar if I dont pay them:
Greetings!

Our AI-powered tools have detected that you are featured in sexually explicit content that was uploaded to our platform.

At our company, we take the security and privacy of our users very seriously, and we use advanced technology to help detect and prevent the distribution of non-consensual intimate images and videos.

While our tools are powerful, we also rely on human oversight to ensure that our platform remains safe and secure for everyone.
If you have approved the upload of this content, you do not need to take any further action. The video will be published to our library within the next seven days, and you will have an opportunity to review the content after the grace period has passed.

However, if you did not approve the upload of this content, we kindly ask that you follow the instructions below to take immediate action.

Our platform boasts an extensive network of websites and partners, which means that ensuring the security of our content is a top priority.

To achieve this, all uploaded content is digitally fingerprinted using both the MediaWise® service from Vobile® and Safeguard, our own proprietary digital fingerprinting software.

This helps to prevent unauthorized distribution of content on our platform.

For our premium users who upload content, we offer monetary incentives. However, in some cases, uploaded content may be put on hold.
If this happens, we can initiate a quick automated removal process, but we would require an incentive refund to do so.

The basic express removal, blocking, and protection against re-uploading of content on our network of 20 websites costs $199 USD.

As a digital company, we take great pride in our integrity and measures, which is why we offer additional options for protecting against unauthorized content uploads 24/7.

We have all our processes automated, including payment processing, for your convenience.

Our Plan A includes everything in the basic removal option, plus digitally fingerprinting of the content and automated removal and protection against re-uploading to our vast network of partner websites (300+) for one year, all for $699 USD.

If you require the best protection available, we recommend our
Plan B, which includes everything in Plan A plus digital protection by MediaWise® and Safeguard based on facial recognition data for three years. This ensures that any content with your biometrics will be blocked, and it costs $1399 USD.

Our system takes care of your request automatically and swiftly, so there's no need to contact us.

The payment process is automated through a Bitcoin gateway, and the digital number you receive below is unique to your case and doesn't require any extra confirmation.

1DzWf1Y9nDKPgmc2em37KRjYePPmWggRce

To transfer the amount corresponding to your chosen option, copy and paste this identifier into your preferred cryptocurrency wallet.You can review the content uploaded after the seven-day grace period, either by checking our Youporn.com library or by contacting the member who uploaded the content.

We encourage users who feature in content and wish to prevent its upload to our platform to consider proactively digitally fingerprinting it.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.
 
  • #56
BWV said:
Interesting twist - just got this one, apparently I become an internet pornstar if I dont pay them:
Refer them to your agent.
 
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  • #57
.Scott said:
Refer them to your agent.
Preferably the one from the CIA.

(for those not familiar with our love of abbreviations here in the USA, that's Central Intelligence Agency; the federal agency that investigates foreign security threats)
 
  • #58
You'd think too, that if someone was this technically adept to do all the things they claim to have done, that they'd be able to get a good-paying legit job, rather than taking a risk by black-hat hacking. Unless currently in Russia, or similar. Edit: I've received 4-5 similar such emails since my OP. I'm curious to check whether the Bitcoin keys are all the same or not. I assume the same source would keep the same bit coin key.
 
  • #59
Got another one today, the scammer spoofed my email address, I guess to try to make me think my computer had really been hacked (the IP address was from Turkey and the spam filter caught it)
 
  • #60
BWV said:
Got another one today, the scammer spoofed my email address, I guess to try to make me think my computer had really been hacked (the IP address was from Turkey and the spam filter caught it)
Yes, none of my blackmail threats seemed like written by a native speaker.
 

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