E-mail scam?

[DazedConfused]

OK. In my spam folder was an e-mail whose subject line was one of my commonly used passwords. Content below:


i know xxxxxxx is one of your password.
I've recorded your cam while you were watching porn on XX sites, also I've installed a keylogger on ur pc & collected all your contacts on social networks, messenger & emails.
If you want me to erase the recording, pay me 1100$ on bitcoin address: 3K3vVqkxeDeD8Qbex4MzXe2WdAcfw2 WXzF
(search in Google for "how to buy bitcoin"), [case SenSitiVe so copy & paste it].
If I don't get the bitcoins, I will definately send your video to all of your contacts, don't reply to this email it's hacked. uazlEA



Syntax tells me it is from a non English speaker. Ignored it and the next day got 3 similar spam e-mails using a password I did not recognize.


So are these guys buying hacked password/e-mail address combos and blanket sending them out?
Comments?

[Fizley]

Not a computer guy,but suspect a website that you set up an account was hacked and all the email addresses and passwords were compromised. They now are sending out emails attempting to get you to click on a link which would load malware or Ransom ware onto your computer.

If you use that password for anything, I would change it immediately. Spam the email as they come in.

[BigBamboo]

I received the same bullshit in an email account I hardly use. It wasn’t my email password. I changed ALL passwords anyway.

Could be RubMaps. Or could have been one of those Asian escort sites - the kind that ask you to create an account to get verified and access their site to see their women and bookers phone. I think those were the only places I had created accounts in the past six months.

However I’ve never had my cam uncovered during viewing of any XXX sites. Those claims by the blackmailer are stupid.

The danger with the blackmailer’s email is when you click on the links in those sort of emails. That could trigger installation of malware or access to your phone. I hope you didn’t click the link or open an attachment.

These things are being noticed more frequently during this COVID crisis because more use of email by people to stay in touch with society. It’s also caught the attention of the US Secret Service, which is investigating the spikes in these sort of email scams.

Stay safe folks. Lots of shady characters out there just looking for a way into your personal technology device.

[BigBamboo]

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/20...y-bitcoin-rise

[CowboyDave]

Databases of old user names and passwords are on the internet, usually from old system breaches. But a large chunk of population rarely or never change passwords, so the bad guys use them. In this case, they're just trying to scare/scam you. Ignore. But the lesson is to change your passwords regularly.

A good rule of thumb: When it's time to change the clocks, also change your A/C air filter, the batteries in the smoke detector, and change your passwords! And never use the same password for multiple systems.

[yourdesire]

Wow was reading comments on above link. Really sad how many people fell for these scams & actually sent $ ..PEOPLE IF IT SOUNDS TO GOOD....
Cowboy good rule of 👍

[Ed Highlight]

You'd be surprised how many fail - or, maybe you wouldn't...

[nickjordy]

yes all person is right

[Yoyoma]

It's called a "Sextorion Scam"


https://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/201...n-the-subject/