Is the email a Scam?
Unfortunately, there are some bad news for you is a sextortion SCAM. Sextortion is a type of scam where attackers send an email to the victim claiming that they have obtained sensitive information, such as intimate photos or videos, and threatening to release this information unless the victim pays a ransom. However, the attackers does not actually have access to the sensitive information, and the threat is empty. The goal of the attackers is to trick the victim into paying the ransom, often by instilling fear and panic in the victim.
It is important to never give in to sextortion demands, delete the fake email, and to seek help from law enforcement if you are a victim of this crime.
Here’s an example of a scam email:
QUICK LINKS
- Is the email a Scam?
- How the scam works
- Should you pay?
- What to do when you receive a sextortion email?
- Report a Scam
How the scam works
Sextortion scam emails work by using fear and emotional manipulation to trick victims into paying a ransom. Here is a general overview of how these scams operate:
- The attacker sends an email to a large number of people claiming to have gained access to their computer and sensitive information, such as personal photos or videos, through a virus or malware.
- The email threatens to release the false sensitive information to the victim’s contacts or on the internet if the ransom is not paid within a specified timeframe.
- The email demands payment in a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, which is difficult to trace and provides anonymity to the attacker.
- The email creates a sense of urgency and pressure by threatening to release the false information if the ransom is not paid quickly.
- If the victim pays the ransom, the attacker may demand more money or continue to extort the victim.
- If the victim does not pay the ransom, the attacker may still attempt to scam the victim by threatening to release the false information or by trying to extract more money through another scam.
It is important to note that these emails are scams and that the attacker does not actually have access to the sensitive information they claim to have. The ransom should not be paid, and victims should take steps to secure their online accounts and personal information. If you receive a sextortion email, it is best to delete it and report it to the relevant authorities.
A typical “Unfortunately, there are some bad news for you” scam email reads as follows:
Hello there!
Unfortunately, there are some bad news for you.
Around several months ago I have obtained access to your devices that you were using to browse internet.
Subsequently, I have proceeded with tracking down internet activities of yours.Below, is the sequence of past events:
In the past, I have bought access from hackers to numerous email accounts (today, that is a very straightforward task that can be done online).
Clearly, I have effortlessly logged in to email account of yours (xxx@xxxxxxx.biz).A week after that, I have managed to install Trojan virus to Operating Systems of all your devices that are used for email access.
Actually, that was quite simple (because you were clicking the links in inbox emails).
All smart things are quite straightforward. (^-^)The software of mine allows me to access to all controllers in your devices, such as video camera, microphone and keyboard.
I have managed to download all your personal data, as well as web browsing history and photos to my servers.
I can access all messengers of yours, as well as emails, social networks, contacts list and even chat history.
My virus unceasingly refreshes its signatures (since it is driver-based), and hereby stays invisible for your antivirus.So, by now you should already understand the reason why I remained unnoticed until this very moment…
While collecting your information, I have found out that you are also a huge fan of websites for adults.
You truly enjoy checking out porn websites and watching dirty videos, while having a lot of kinky fun.
I have recorded several kinky scenes of yours and montaged some videos, where you reach orgasms while passionately masturbating.If you still doubt my serious intentions, it only takes couple mouse clicks to share your videos with your friends, relatives and even colleagues.
It is also not a problem for me to allow those vids for access of public as well.
I truly believe, you would not want this to occur, understanding how special are the videos you love watching, (you are clearly aware of that) all that stuff can result in a real disaster for you.Let’s resolve it like this:
All you need is $1450 USD transfer to my account (bitcoin equivalent based on exchange rate during your transfer), and after the transaction is successful, I will proceed to delete all that kinky stuff without delay.
Afterwards, we can pretend that we have never met before. In addition, I assure you that all the harmful software will be deleted from all your devices. Be sure, I keep my promises.That is quite a fair deal with a low price, bearing in mind that I have spent a lot of effort to go through your profile and traffic for a long period.
If you are unaware how to buy and send bitcoins – it can be easily fixed by searching all related information online.Below is bitcoin wallet of mine: 1C2ek9b57xdVY9rPUaUnczxN5vGjVS8EhA
You are given not more than 48 hours after you have opened this email (2 days to be precise).
Below is the list of actions that you should not attempt doing:
> Do not attempt to reply my email (the email in your inbox was created by me together with return address).
> Do not attempt to call police or any other security services. Moreover, don’t even think to share this with friends of yours. Once I find that out (make no doubt about it, I can do that effortlessly, bearing in mind that I have full control over all your systems) – the video of yours will become available to public immediately.
> Do not attempt to search for me – there is completely no point in that. All cryptocurrency transactions remain anonymous at all times.
> Do not attempt reinstalling the OS on devices of yours or get rid of them. It is meaningless too, because all your videos are already available at remote servers.Below is the list of things you don’t need to be concerned about:
> That I will not receive the money you transferred.
– Don’t you worry, I can still track it, after the transaction is successfully completed, because I still monitor all your activities (trojan virus of mine includes a remote-control option, just like TeamViewer).
> That I still will make your videos available to public after your money transfer is complete.
– Believe me, it is meaningless for me to keep on making your life complicated. If I indeed wanted to make it happen, it would happen long time ago!Everything will be carried out based on fairness!
Before I forget…moving forward try not to get involved in this kind of situations anymore!
An advice from me – regularly change all the passwords to your accounts.
Should you pay?
Don’t pay the ransom! Paying a ransom is not recommended for several reasons:
- It may encourage further scams: If the scammers see that you are willing to pay, they may continue to send similar emails or target other victims.
- It may result in financial losses: Paying a ransom will result in financial losses and put your personal and financial information at risk.
- It does not guarantee the scammers will stop: Even if you pay the ransom, there is no guarantee that the scammers will stop sending emails or will not release any fabricated sensitive information.
In summary, paying a ransom in response to a sextortion email, or any type of scam, is not recommended and may result in further harm to the victim. If you receive a sextortion email, it is best to seek help from law enforcement and take steps to secure your online accounts and personal information, instead of sending money to the attacker.
Examples of Sextortion Scams
Have you recently noticed that I have e-mailed you from your account, I am sorry to inform you that your device was compromised, and I know * is one of your password on day of hack. Lets get directly to the point. are other examples of Sextortion scam emails.
- I need to start our conversation with bad news for you Email Scam
- Let me get straight to the point Email Scam
- Leaked uncensored photos from your device Email Scam
- “You have outstanding debt.” email is a sextortion scam
- FINAL WARNING email scam
What to do when you receive a sextortion email?
If you receive a sextortion email scam, it is important to take the following steps:
- Do not panic: While these emails are designed to instill fear and panic in the victim, it is important to stay calm and take a measured response to the situation. Remember that the email is fake, and that the attacker does not have access to the sensitive information they are threatening to release
- If the sextortion email scam contains a link, it is important to avoid clicking on it: Avoid clicking on links in sextortion emails as they may lead to malware or phishing sites that can compromise your computer or steal sensitive information.
- Do not respond to the email: Do not reply to the email, or send any money to the attacker.
- Report the scam: Report the scam to the FTC at https://www.ftc.gov/ and relevant authorities, such as your email provider or local law enforcement.
- Delete the email: Delete the email from your inbox and trash folder.
- Secure your accounts: Take steps to secure your online accounts and personal information, such as changing your passwords and enabling two-factor authentication.
- Stay informed: Stay informed about current scams and the tactics used by attackers, so that you can better recognize and avoid them in the future.
- If you suspect that your computer is infected with spyware or trojan, you accidentally clicked on a link in the scam email, or just want to scan your computer for malware, then use one of the best free malware removal tools.
Threat Summary
Name | Unfortunately, there are some bad news for you SCAM |
Type | Phishing, Bitcoin Email Scam, Fraud, Scam |
Email subject line | “You are in debt.”, “You have an outstanding debt.”, “You have an outstanding payment.” |
Ransom amount | $750, $1590, $1750, $1450 |
Bitcoin Address | 14UTJBbtUsKxPtkf8WvGwWBpB4D6MmGqAk, 1Pp5DTCTRSzoFyaHbrSEWGDWZZRp3rMsWv, 1P9V9BQ83wdEXGm3KmGxXMAdCVeXSd5W3Z, 1CkJQrzQWF2dct8c6tWtHnje89ja7xszjB, 1Q3bj3y63wqXPGcsXhiC9N1YbYhF5euBBY, bc1qtt5akr5undmey83wcnyns2jxdy7kqp7p5a7j54, 1C2ek9b57xdVY9rPUaUnczxN5vGjVS8EhA, 1KK7guZhwuw5vv3EXd5DnpUZUqT8NgiN52, 1PTtABymM3XzWJv3hycpFGJgrE2UcqX7e6, 1NbCmDkxiJ6h8iWt5xVcVhwck676abSSaN, 1B5ic9iQpyafTEfWxHM4Xq6PkzbickrL8g, 17YJKh4TNBDrgFKfbjbQHCGEmZH8uvFoVp, 1Bg62SYMjRfcSVaUM9VoAcr8Fy6bX2qQbN, 1LrBGezKti4m2cov7CKuurLnCfQvjp2o1A, 1YcRyyF4obSGLyh1QJ9jyxv67ksYmM2oc, 1BwDYXp1YCa2NLfGiF5Gfnkmgf61MqupHb, 1LzA9kzQkGDTYSfbbLE8gK5RAJ5ke32ntC, 19emozKjqs4dUv3JjsHSXtKPDcGYwW2e5X, 13Hayv2eeuwHTcUNhZVeCJytdBQosoSwVq, 1B33LTohL4pWrZsjSpzLYjZ6WorWkwnoGE, 1kZ8v4CZ29izLdtacgkdsCkMU5P7uVqKJ, 1M4bujoHX8TVpWw65zxNHKeDTHZXouZcpR, 1GvZB6bVDrt6ynaR9YEUSE1H2K8DzPLtmq, 1FhTVkgUpVyWNRG8bJkgyJipEmoEtitZwd, 19PRxthVN1P9hsXcStqc2Kp8Yy4hXyXVau, 1LV8rSHsXYQ9JWUM4LRAGywH8RA6DXH6A7, 153tGcwGFcj33YXxtjvgnzCYW1FhcPo1CM, 18wgLNrXoSqtCDSiTuAgQs9gfojHeecSnN, 18QoRGdPTpu6wMVKjf8PA43ZXndAJfrHvM, 15kiZUAtEYRC3m5ZWo2DYkrCeGbj5fRhDN, 1K8g3n8Z9t265pMYuhpKc8jfmPS6cY7Qcr, 15KquhG7RGkyXvEVT1aXLgPt4qgBEVe8rN, 1PQfyHsqnU1mpQHgbgNsbAxDLw5u2mgqgb, 1Mjt2xobFExdZBGfjTVDcgzJWQxRxoHBdA, 12vuAcRSYDWuGHEVNVtQaEjBCBevps3ZcE, 1MW4maqRuqi62YiRNMaBiHT65WJJMEAvQw, 1P8zGx51BpyxEy5jBgr5ugoPXbSgyd7fpw, 1GvxuP9puQCMNQvEKuwNrLeGwp9LWV4822, 1EeaB9n9RKCsxbzzmVNNPbcu9Lrq89Bm4Y, 1EaTepwwBEDQhmHsjuwQtX5V3ZMnnTbnY8, 17Ga9z9f3HFBafsmMq76NVsVX5r1CzxhaP, 1Dwi3dsfYEzbU3QDtjNC8DNfoaVNAcNRYC, 1CW1kBHJsuS9zRj5qvpoAgEwDJQA3bUVPW, 1771s891APz1wNKdn5fe3Vknmf5pN18cWu, 1Aohp9uhpReFfZirTimqD1LUYtZ2gpvBtP |
Distribution method | spam email campaigns |
Damage | significant financial loss, emotional distress, reputational damage, compromised personal information, stolen identity |
Removal | If you gets an email like Unfortunately, there are some bad news for you, our computer security experts recommend follow some easy steps above |
Report a Scam
If you have received a sextortion scam email or an email message that is similar but not the same as the example above, then post it as comment on this article. Please include the email address the email came from. This helps us to warn users about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible.
I got this email email today. I’m so grateful for your article!
I got similar email but they tell me they got actual footage of me jerking off over a photo of Greta Thunberg. I can’t risk my family seeing this. What can I do?
-Sam
I left a comment here but it’s been deleted so no one will be able to help me. I happen to be very embarrassed by what I did, please re-instate my post.
-Sam