Beware of a new variation of the old sextortion email scam, which now includes photos of victims’ homes to increase the threats. The scammers claim to have hacked the recipients’ computers, recorded compromising webcam footage, and threaten to release it unless a Bitcoin ransom (around $2,000) is paid. The scam is made more personal by using the recipient’s name and including a photo of their street or home, apparently taken from online maps like Google Maps. The victims are given 24 hours to comply, and the scammers discourage any attempt to seek help. It’s important to know that children and teenagers are often targeted by this scam. If you suspect that your child or teen is being affected by a sextortion scam, please get in touch with the FBI right away. And don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at SMVLC to understand what legal options might be available to you.
- Source: KrebsonSecurity
- Additional Resources: Social Media & Sextortion
