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Sextortion scams are more believable than ever

Scams Are Using Your Password

Here's the scenario:

You receive an email saying that your computer was hacked and that your webcam was used to record you while you were watching adult videos. Unless you pay a ransom the video will be leaked to all your contacts.

But here's the twist — they mention a real computer password you've used!

"If I don’t get the payment, I will send your video to all of your contacts including relatives, coworkers, and so forth. Nonetheless, if I do get paid, I will erase the video immediately." Probably one of the scariest things you can read in an email.

A post from KrebsOnSecurity states that more than likely the sextortion attempt is at least semi-automatic.

"My guess is that the perpetrator has created some kind of script that draws directly from the usernames and passwords from a given data breach at a popular website that happened more than a decade ago, and that every victim who had their password compromised as part of that breach is getting this same email at the address used to sign up at that hacked website," said Brian Krebs in his article.

He also suggests that the scams will get more refined and that perpetrators will begin using more recent and relevant passwords and personal data to convince people the hacks are real.

Read the full news article at krebsonsecurity.com.

 

Tips to avoid being a victim of Sextortion

The FBI provides these tips to avoid becoming a victim:

  • Never send compromising images of yourself to anyone, no matter who they are—or who they say they are.
  • Do not open attachments from people you do not know.
  • Turn off your electronic devices and web cameras when you are not using them.
  • If you are receiving sextortion threats, you are not alone. It is likely the perpetrator is an adult pretending to be a teenager, and you are just one of the many victims being targeted by the same person.
  • Do not be afraid to tell someone and to call the FBI. If you believe you’re a victim of sextortion, or know someone else who is, call your local FBI office or toll-free at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

 

 

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