A new wave of sextortion email scams is sweeping the nation, demanding cryptocurrency payments and leaving victims in fear.
At a Glance
- Scammers use automated emails to threaten victims with false claims of compromising information
- Personal details, including home addresses, are obtained from the dark web to make threats seem credible
- Victims are instructed to pay in Bitcoin to avoid alleged public embarrassment
- Authorities stress these threats are bluffs and advise not to engage or pay
- Reporting to the FBI and local law enforcement is recommended for victims
The Rise of Automated Sextortion Scams
The New York State Police has issued a warning about a nationwide automated sextortion scam targeting unsuspecting individuals. These cybercriminals are using email addresses and personal information illegally obtained from the dark web to coerce payments through intimidation and threats of embarrassment.
The scammers often include a photo of the victim’s residence and demand payment in Bitcoin to avoid alleged repercussions. They threaten to publicly embarrass victims, claiming to have installed software on their devices and to have access to their personal accounts and internet usage history.
Authorities warn public of "sextortion" scam https://t.co/xs236MlWgl
— WRBL News 3 (@wrblnews3) September 21, 2024
Tactics Used by Scammers
To create a sense of urgency, scammers typically claim they possess compromising images or videos of the victim viewing pornographic material. They threaten to disclose this content to the victim’s contact list within 24-48 hours unless a payment is made to have the content deleted.
“I don’t make mistakes, [recipient’s name]. If I suspect that you’ve shared or discussed this message with anyone else, the video will instantly start getting sent to your contacts”, read one email.
Security experts have noted a new variation of the scam that uses images of victims’ homes from online services like Google Maps to add credibility to their threats. The emails often start with the recipient’s full name and include a threatening message along with a photo of their home or street.
Authorities’ Response and Advice
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, have reported a significant increase in sextortion cases, with financial sextortion becoming more prevalent. The New York State Police emphasizes that despite these claims, the scammers do not actually have access to victims’ devices or personal information.
“NEW YORK STATE POLICE WARNS OF NATIONWIDE AUTOMATED SEXTORTION SCAMS The New York State Police is warning the public of a nationwide automated sextortion scam in which scammers use people’s email addresses to coerce payments using intimidation and threats of embarrassment. Scammers obtain emails and other personal information purchased illegally on the dark web to contact victims, stating that they have the victim’s personal information, and often will include a photo of the victim’s residence, and instructions to make payment in Bitcoin to avoid repercussions.
The scammers will also threaten to publicly embarrass and convince the victim that they have installed software on their phone, tablet, or computer, have access to their personal accounts and are tracking their internet use.
To get the victim to act quickly, the scammer claims they possess images of the victim viewing pornographic material and threatens to disclose this content to everyone in their contact list within 24‐48 hours unless they pay in Bitcoin to have the content deleted.
Despite these claims, the scammer does not have access to the victim’s device or personal information. If you receive one of these emails, do not engage or share any personal information such as birthdates, phone numbers, social security numbers, or any financial information. Victims should block the sender, delete the email, and report it through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.
If someone believes that they are the victim of sextortion or identity theft, the FBI encourages them to report it by contacting their local FBI office or calling 1‐800‐CALL‐FBI. The New York State Police (NYSP) or local law enforcement agencies can also assist with criminal investigations.”
Authorities strongly advise victims not to engage or share any personal information with these scammers. The recommended course of action is to block the sender, delete the email, and report it to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov. Victims are also encouraged to contact their local FBI office or call 1-800-CALL-FBI if they believe they have fallen victim to sextortion or identity theft.
Protecting Yourself from Sextortion Scams
To protect yourself from sextortion scams, experts recommend several best practices. These include not sending compromising images, avoiding opening attachments from unknown sources, and turning off or covering webcams when not in use. It’s crucial to exercise caution online and be aware of the potential risks associated with sharing personal information or engaging with unknown individuals on the internet.
Remember, awareness and vigilance are key to preventing these scams. If you receive a suspicious email, do not panic or give in to the demands. Instead, report it to the appropriate authorities and take steps to secure your online presence. By staying informed and cautious, we can work together to combat these cyber threats and protect our communities from financial and emotional harm.
