We can imagine how this would be terrifying.
People are being warned not to fall for a malicious email extortion scam that becoming more and more common.
The warning issued by IT Sales and Consultancy firm Dash.ie following a number of reports from their customers about the suspicious emails.
The email starts off with the simple statement that the extortionist knows your password and actually states said password in the first sentence of the email. However, the password they name is likely a commonly used password in the world in the hope of using this scare tactic to trick you.
The emails start usually start with a line similar to the one below.
“It is just your bad luck that I found your blunder. In fact, I actually placed a malware on the adult videos (pornographic material) and you visited this website to experience fun (you know what I mean). While you were watching video clips, your internet browser initiated operating as a Rdp (Remote control desktop) that has a keylogger which provided me accessibility to your display screen and also cam. Immediately after that, my software program obtained all your contacts from your messenger, facebook, and email.
“After that I gave in much more time than I should’ve exploring into your life and generated a two screen video. First part shows the recording you had been viewing and second part shows the capture from your web camera (its you doing inappropriate things).”
It attempts to hold user to ransom over the use of their personal information and videos of them from their desktop browsing through things online.
“Second Option is to make the payment of $3200. We will name it my “confidentiality tip”. Now let me tell you what happens if you choose this path. Your secret remains your secret. I will delete the recording immediately. You move on with your routine life as though nothing like this ever occurred.”
Dash.ie advises that you:
- Never email the fraudster back
- Never consider paying the ‘bad bounty’
- Immediately change all passwords for your online accounts
- Turn on 2-Step Authentication of all accounts where possible
- Never use the same password across multiple sites
- Turning off your webcam when not in use
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