Scam - Email Spoofing

Hi community!

I wanted to spread awareness on this infamous blackmail scam circling around the internet.

Recently, I got an email from my "junk mail" saying someone installed a Trojan virus on my device, and they have been watching me for months and recording me. Unless I send them $888 in Bitcoin, they would release video footage of me to my contacts.

The scariest parts that gave me chills were:

1. This email was sent to me supposedly through "my email address". It looked correct. After further research, I discovered this is fake because this "email" went to junk automatically. Also, I checked my "sent" messages, and this email was not sent through my account. This is called "email spoofing". It's like sending a letter mail with a "fake" return address.
2. I checked my login history to this email account. For almost every day, for WEEKS, people throughout the world have been trying to "unsuccessfully" access my account. These are coming from - Poland, UK, Germany, and Canada. I got scared because this feels like a STALKER.
3. They claim they could be watching me at any moment through my camera and microphone. (FYI - storage space is quite costly. If they really did this, they would actually be spending way more per victim than they are actually receiving. I personally wouldn't mind if my life was recorded so I could rewatch all the special moments. But again, this is very expensive to do.)

Please:

1. Please check your security history and make sure to change your passwords frequently!
2. Do no click any links from unknown sources.

3. Do not give in to blackmail. They tried to threaten me by saying I am a "huge fan of websites for adults" and "truly enjoy checking out porn websites and watching dirty videos". Regardless if this is a true or false statement, it should not matter. Our close family and friends who love us will not judge us. Do not feel ashamed! These evil people should be the ones ashamed for their actions to "blackmail" and make people feel "shameful" and then extorting money. Absolutory sickening.

   A snip of the email -

   "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 ___________. A week after that, I have managed to install Trojan virus to Operating Systems to 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, contact 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 our porn websites and watching dirty videos, while also 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 these 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 $888 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." 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 (it's useless, it's sent from your email). 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."

I hope this post spread awareness. It pains me to think if this was sent to someone younger, who probably might feel insecure or ashamed... they might actually send money over. These blackmailers/bullies probably will continue to request and bleed them dry. Even if they have "videos", remember your close family and friends love you.