BEDFORD, OH — A Bedford resident recently received a threatening email claiming they had been hacked and recorded while browsing adult websites. This kind of message is known as a sextortion scam, and it’s designed to scare people into paying a ransom—usually in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin—in exchange for keeping supposed compromising footage from being released.
How the Scam Works
In this case, the scammer claimed to have installed malware on the resident’s device after they visited a pornographic website. They threatened that while the victim was watching videos, the scammer secretly recorded them through their device’s camera and microphone. To add further fear, the scammer insisted they had access to all of the person’s contacts, emails, and social media accounts. The scammer even provides a “picture” of the address, though it is clearly a screenshot from Google Maps.
The email goes on to say that the scammer has footage of the resident in compromising positions, allegedly placing the illicit content side-by-side with footage of the resident. The scammer then offers two choices: either pay a “privacy charge” in Bitcoin to keep the footage from being sent to all contacts, or ignore the email and face public embarrassment. It even provides a “picture” of the address, though it is clearly a screenshot from Google Maps.
Information has been redacted to protect the privacy of the resident.
The Truth About Sextortion Scams
This type of scam is a widespread bluff. Scammers send these emails in bulk, hoping to catch people off-guard. Most often, they have no real access to your device, no compromising footage, and no malware installed. The entire message is crafted to cause panic and get the victim to pay quickly out of fear.
According to Bitcoin.com, a massive amount of these scam letters have been sent out over the past week and more are expected. These scam letters appear to target entire cities across the United States.
How to Respond
If you receive such an email, do not panic and do not pay. Here’s what to do:
- Ignore the message: In most cases, the scammer has no actual evidence and is relying on fear to manipulate you.
- Do not engage: Responding to the email can signal that you are a potential victim, increasing the likelihood of receiving more scam attempts. Do not respond to the email!
- Strengthen your security: Change your passwords, update your device’s security software, and enable two-factor authentication to secure your online accounts.
- Report the email: Flag the message as a phishing attempt through your email provider and contact local authorities.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
In today’s digital age, it’s important to stay vigilant about online scams. Sextortion scams can be unsettling, but remember, they are designed to prey on fear and embarrassment. Keep your personal information secure, avoid engaging with suspicious emails, and never send money to unknown individuals threatening you.
If you or someone you know has been targeted by this kind of scam in Bedford or elsewhere, don’t fall for it. Stay calm, stay informed, and report the scam to prevent further harassment.
