Have you received this new type of extortion email?

Check out this Blog post we made on a new type of extortion email.

The email claims it recorded your webcam via an RDP (remote desktop) connection, then uses a REAL password you have actually used in the past. Check out the blog post to learn how this all works.

Have you received this new type of RDP (remote desktop) blackmail email?

Be careful out there! Also, if you received this type of email feel free to post the full email text here (minus any personal details).

1 Like

Since July 2018, I have received 71 of these kinds of extortion spams. Each time I get one, I report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at https://www.ic3.gov

And I send a copy of it to the FTC at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov

Hopefully that helps a little.

@csdfg2

Yes, these emails are very disturbing. We sometimes get worried emails to our helpdesk about these types of scams. We always explain to the person that it’s just a mass email and there is nothing to worry about.

Krebsonsecurity.com looked into who is behind these types of scams. Very interesting article!
https://krebsonsecurity.com/2018/08/whos-behind-the-screencam-extortion-scam/

Thanks for the link. That made fascinating reading.

1 Like

These are generally fake and the passwords are simply from when a site was compromised and a past password leaked. I just delete them when I get them as spam to my webmaster account.

1 Like

Hey, thanks for sharing that! These new types of extortion emails can be super scary, especially when they actually use a password you’ve used before. It’s important for everyone to be aware of such tactics and make sure our online presence is secure.

I haven’t received one personally, but it’s always good to stay vigilant about online scams and extortion attempts. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you’re being targeted by blackmailers, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and seek professional help.