The online sextortion scam is an alarming and distressing experience that many individuals have unfortunately encountered. It typically involves receiving an email from a sender claiming to possess compromising photos or videos of the recipient, such as nudes or sex tapes. The sender then demands a sum of money in exchange for keeping this content private. If the recipient refuses to comply with the blackmailer’s demands, they are threatened with the public release of the photos, as well as the distribution of the material among their friends and loved ones.
While this type of scam has been widely publicized and is well-known, scammers still manage to find success through this malicious tactic. However, it appears that the effectiveness of the traditional sextortion scheme may be diminishing, prompting scammers to develop new and updated versions of the scam in order to maintain their success rate. Nowadays, scammers have introduced a new twist to the scam by falsely claiming to possess evidence of infidelity by the recipient’s spouse, even going so far as to use the real names of the individuals involved in the scam.
One of the earliest documented instances of this new sextortion scam was shared on Reddit recently. The Reddit user, known as Extension-Bunch9277, posted a screenshot of an email they had received in the r/Scams subreddit. What made this particular scam different and more unsettling was that the scammer used the real name of Extension-Bunch9277’s partner in the email introduction, as well as their spouse’s real name. In addition, the scammer included a second last name that the couple “barely used,” giving the impression that they had access to extensive personal information.
The email claimed to possess evidence of the recipient’s spouse cheating on them and offered to provide full access to this alleged evidence through a linked website. While Extension-Bunch9277 did not click the link, another user on the Reddit thread admitted to doing so. The email address of the sender appeared to be spoofing the identity of 3Bigs, a legitimate healthcare data company. Multiple Reddit users added to the discussion, reporting similar emails they had received, with some individuals stating that they had received such emails shortly after getting married. It was also revealed that the scammer had access not only to the names used publicly by the recipients but also to their maiden names.
While it is evident that this scam is an updated version of the traditional sextortion scheme, it remains unclear how exactly this variant of the scam unfolds when victims fall for it. The user who clicked on the link reported being directed to a website’s login page but did not proceed any further. It is possible that the scammers request a payment to access the alleged evidence or that the links are designed to download malware onto the victims’ devices. Some Reddit users speculated that the scammers may be obtaining personal information from public background check websites or taking advantage of data breaches, such as the recent incident at background check company National Public Data.
This is not the only new variant of the sextortion scam that has emerged recently. Another version, first reported by 404 Media and covered by Mashable, leverages images of the target’s home address, potentially sourced from platforms like Google Maps, to further intimidate and coerce victims into paying a monetary ransom. The scammers threaten to reveal this personal information, suggesting that they have access to intimate details about the victims’ lives.
For individuals who receive these scam emails, it is crucial not to click on any links included in the message. Clicking on these links can lead to various negative consequences, ranging from financial loss to potential malware infections. Instead, it is advisable to report the scam email to the relevant authorities and delete the message without engaging with the scammer.
To protect yourself from falling victim to sextortion scams or any other form of online blackmail, there are several proactive steps you can take:
1. Be cautious with your personal information: In an age where personal data breaches are prevalent, it is essential to be mindful of the information you share online or with third-party platforms. Limit the amount of personal information available publicly, such as maiden names or addresses, as this can be used by scammers to make their threats seem more legitimate.
2. Use strong, unique passwords: Creating strong, complex passwords for your online accounts is crucial to prevent unauthorized access. Avoid reusing passwords across multiple platforms, as this increases the risk of a breach affecting multiple accounts.
3. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring a secondary verification method, such as a unique code sent to your mobile device. This makes it significantly more challenging for attackers to gain access to your accounts, even if they manage to obtain your password.
4. Educate yourself and stay informed: Stay updated on the latest forms of online scams and blackmail tactics. By being aware of the risks and recognizing common patterns, you can better protect yourself and make informed decisions when encountering suspicious emails or messages.
5. Report incidents to the authorities: If you encounter a sextortion scam or any form of online blackmail, report it to your local law enforcement agency. They have specialized units dedicated to handling cybercrime and can provide guidance on the appropriate next steps.
The evolution of sextortion scams highlights the importance of remaining vigilant and proactive in safeguarding personal information online. By taking the necessary precautions and staying informed, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to these distressing and intrusive schemes. Remember, scammers rely on fear and intimidation, but by keeping a level head and not engaging with them, their power is diminished.
Source link
