Blackmail Threat Scam
This email received takes scams up a level. Blackmail threats to release embarrassing videos to all your friends unless US$2,000 in Bitcoin is paid to the scammers. They claim to have access to your computer and have recorded inappropriate videos of you. Is this possible?
E-Mail received:
Date: 23/04/2025, 14:45
From: Security Alert kykdb@mail.ssctv.net
To: you you
Subject:
Click above to read the email.
Notes: Is it possible for someone to gain access to your computer and operate your webcam without you knowing? Yes it is possible but I think this blackmail attempt is pure bluff. The same email will have been sent to possibly hundreds of unknown people, people whose computers/devices have not been accessed by the scammers. They just hope given they have sent out enough emails that there will be some people with something to hide that don't wish videos to be distributed to their friends.
You will have noticed that the space between words in the e-mail you received have been filled with numbers, this is to confuse spam filters which identify related word strings. They hope including numbers and removing spaces will prevent the emails being identified as spam/junk and ending up in the spam box. It can be quite effective.
Recommendation: Do not respond to the demands made, report via https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/phishing-scams (UK gov website).
Further reading:
What to do if you've received a threatening email
Bogus blackmail scams on the rise, warns Attorney ...
Sextortion emails: how to protect yourself - NCSC.GOV.UK
Phishing: Spot and report scam emails, texts, websites and calls
Michael Fowler
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