Sextortion Scams

INAMESS

I have today received an email telling me they have access to all my photos, videos, passwords, cameras etc, they have including one of my email addresses with password as proof although haven't said my name. They want paying by bitcoin and are threatening to send explicit material to friends and family etc. Should i be worried? If they have access to all this how can i change passwords etc without them knowing? I have a chrome book and iphone that i use so how can i make sure both are secure? Any help would be appreciated

Peter999_2

I've had millions of these emails,  all scammers who are just trying it on.

Some are more greedy than others but basically they are using the same template with the only difference being the bitcoin address and the amount they want.

Have they told that they have watched you through your webcam caught you watching adult sites?

They knew one of my really one passwords that I haven't used for years.     Check this website - https://haveibeenpwned.com/Passwords

Just ignore it, mark it as spam and go along with your day.

Mr.Generous

They have hacked a website and found your password for that site and are using that as proof they have all sorts of dirt on you. They don't, it's a scam. Do nothing, block them and forget about it, but don't use that password anymore and change it on any sites you still use it on. Really no need to worry.

INAMESS

Yes they say they have said they have caught me watching adult sites etc and have access to webcam and photos. Has got me thinking about security i suppose, how can i 'clean up' my phone and chromebook? I assumed they are both protected 

Grumpy_chap

Peter999_2 said:

Have they told that they have watched you through your webcam caught you watching adult sites?

So, out of interest, how would that work? 
If I was watching content (of any kind) on the laptop, my webcam would be looking the other way, so at me.  No way of telling whether I am watching adult sites, in a work Teams meeting, or posting on MSE Forum.  
The only way I can think of would be if I had a mirror right behind me while at the PC.  I doubt that is a common set up.

Zinger549

Just ignore it, nothing will happen. I've had a few of them but they always contain an old password that I no longer use. My email identifies them as spam so I don't usually see them now

Wyndham

Of course, the fact that you've asked the question does imply that you have been doing something you'd be embarrassed about...  I've had these too, but have nothing to hide anyway, so immediately knew they were a scam.

It's good practice to change your passwords regularly anyway. And, don't use the same password on more than one site if you can (tricky, with the number that we all need these days, but if you are reusing, then you should be changing passwords even more regularly as the risk is greater).

molerat

I have had them stating my e-mail address and home address.  My opinion is that the details are sold on by Chinese EBay sellers, seem to get a few just after a purchase.

killerferret666

Wyndham said:

Of course, the fact that you've asked the question does imply that you have been doing something you'd be embarrassed about...  I've had these too, but have nothing to hide anyway, so immediately knew they were a scam.

It's good practice to change your passwords regularly anyway. And, don't use the same password on more than one site if you can (tricky, with the number that we all need these days, but if you are reusing, then you should be changing passwords even more regularly as the risk is greater).

Theyve asked the question because its a private thing if theyve watched adult sites not something they should be embarrassed by.

Ive also had this exact email, i knew it was a scam based on the fact I have no webcam. A few friends have also had it and ive told them not to worry (although easier said then done initially) and carry on, just a scammer trying their luck.

user1977

INAMESS said:

Yes they say they have said they have caught me watching adult sites etc and have access to webcam and photos. Has got me thinking about security i suppose, how can i 'clean up' my phone and chromebook? I assumed they are both protected 

It's got nothing to do with how secure your devices are, all it suggests is that they've got hold of your email address and password from a hacked website, and are sending emails to everyone in the hope of hooking someone who's a bit gullible. They don't actually know anything else about you.

ampersand

Wyndham- 
Why not edit/re-word your first para,?  It comes across as judgmental, which I hope was not your intention.