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very concerned

  • May 6, 2020
  • 4 replies
  • 155 views
C
Fresh Face

i recently received an email from someone that  had a old password from a site that I had visited saying that they had disturbing images of myself from the past 4 months demanding payment in bitcoin or they would release the images to family and friends.   They do have my current email address but the password was from years ago. im concerned and do not know what to do

Best answer by TripleHelix

Hello @cvk154 

 

It’s a scam so just delete the email! It’s a very well known scam!

 

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/08/how-avoid-bitcoin-blackmail-scam

 

https://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2019/03/13/final-warning-email-have-they-really-hacked-your-webcam/

 

https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/20517-scam-alert-beware-of-sextortion-emails

 

https://www.bing.com/search?q=how+to+report+threatening+password+emails+scams&go=Search&qs=ds&form=QBRE

 

https://www.webroot.com/blog/?s=scams

 

HTH,

    C

    4 replies

    C
    Fresh Face
    • cvk154
    • Author
    • Fresh Face
    • May 7, 2020

    I think I have the same problem. this happened 4/28/20. it also happen to my wife around the same time. attempted blackmail by someone.  does anyone have any answers

    TripleHelix
    Moderator
    Forum|alt.badge.img+63
    • TripleHelix
    • Moderator
    • Answer
    • May 7, 2020

    Hello @cvk154 

     

    It’s a scam so just delete the email! It’s a very well known scam!

     

    https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/08/how-avoid-bitcoin-blackmail-scam

     

    https://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2019/03/13/final-warning-email-have-they-really-hacked-your-webcam/

     

    https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/20517-scam-alert-beware-of-sextortion-emails

     

    https://www.bing.com/search?q=how+to+report+threatening+password+emails+scams&go=Search&qs=ds&form=QBRE

     

    https://www.webroot.com/blog/?s=scams

     

    HTH,

    Daniel - Microsoft MVP Consumer Security (2012-2016) Windows 10 Pro x64 for Workstations 22H2 on my Alienware 17R2 and Windows 11 Pro x64 for Workstations on my Alienware 17R5 Laptops with Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete Beta Tester for PC & Android Samsung Galaxy A16 5G OS 16.
    Jasper_The_Rasper
    C
    K
    Forum|alt.badge.img+20
    • khumphrey
    • Retired Webrooter
    • May 7, 2020

    Agreed with @TripleHelix  - This is a well known scam. If you are extra concerned, go ahead and change your most used passwords. It’s a good security practice to change passwords every few months anyway. Data breaches can give malicious actors access to previously used passwords so changing them often helps mitigate this concern! 

    C
    C
    Fresh Face
    • cvk154
    • Author
    • Fresh Face
    • May 7, 2020

    thank you triplehelix and khumphery for your answer and prompt response!!!!!!

    TripleHelix
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