Picture this – you tidy up your inbox, go through your junk mail folder, and come across not one but two scary emails. Both claim that your account has been hacked, claiming full access to all your accounts. The threat? Alleged videos of you in compromising situations, ready to be released to your entire contact list unless a ransom in Bitcoin, totaling around $500, is paid within a specified time. Sounds like a nightmare, right?
This is precisely what happened to one of our own readers, Barbara, who shared her alarming experience with us.
Bitcoin blackmail scams: how does it work?
These intimidating emails that Barbara encountered are a classic example of a Bitcoin blackmail scam. Here, fraudsters claim access to your sensitive information and demand payment in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, taking advantage of their perceived anonymity. Scammers can even cook up stories of hacking into your computer or webcam or installing stealth software to monitor you: scary stuff, but mostly big stories.
CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK TIPS, TECHNICAL ADVICE AND EASY FEEDBACK TO MAKE YOU SMARTER
Bitcoin blackmail scams often prey on usernames and passwords obtained from previous security breaches. (CyberGuy.com)
GO BEYOND SPAMMERS TO FINALLY END UNSOLICITED EMAILS
These scams often prey on usernames and passwords obtained from previous security breaches. If the intimidating email contains one of your old – or current – passwords, it’s alarm bells ringing. This is a signal to refresh the password for this account, and while you’re at it, consider updating your other passwords as well.
What happens if you pay?
If you fall victim to a Bitcoin blackmail scam and decide to pay the ransom, the outcome is far from certain. Although scammers may promise to keep potentially compromising information confidential, there is no guarantee that they will honor their word. In many cases, victims who pay the ransom find themselves trapped in an endless cycle of demands, with the crooks continually looking for more money.
LEARN MORE: TOP IDENTITY THEFT SCAMS TO AVOID
Challenges in Recovering Funds Lost to Cryptocurrency Scams
Moreover, even if you make the payment, recovering the funds or identifying the perpetrators can be extremely difficult. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin offer a certain level of anonymity, which makes it difficult to trace transactions back to scammers. However, in some cases, victims have sought help from cryptocurrency companies that use sophisticated techniques to track and trace cryptocurrency transactions. Although these services can help in some cases, they often come with a hefty price tag, which makes them unaffordable for many.
Crypto scams to be aware of include: fraudulent ICOs, phishing attempts and Ponzi schemes. (CyberGuy.com)
MORE: CHECK WASHING FRAUD IS THE LATEST SCAM FOR YOU
Other Crypto Scams You Should Know About
Bitcoin blackmail scams are just one piece of the larger puzzle of crypto-related scams. From fraudulent initial coin offerings (ICOs) to phishing attempts and Ponzi schemes, cryptocurrencies have unfortunately become a breeding ground for nefarious activities. According to crypto-scams.com, various blackmail scams are circulating that exploit Bitcoin’s reputation and perceived anonymity.
Fraudulent ICO are an example. These scams offer investors new cryptocurrencies or tokens, promising incredible returns on their investments. However, many of these projects are nothing more than smoke and mirrors, leaving investors with empty wallets and shattered dreams.
Phishing attempts are another popular crypto scam. Scammers create sophisticated emails or websites that mimic legitimate platforms to trick users into divulging sensitive information, such as passwords or private keys. Once crooks have this information, they can gain unauthorized access to victims’ accounts and steal their funds.
Ponzi schemes, a classic form of fraud, have also found their way into the crypto world. These scams work by promising investors high returns, usually from new investors’ funds rather than actual profits. As the program grows, it eventually collapses, leaving the majority of participants distraught.
Unfortunately, these crypto scams exploit cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin’s reputation and perceived anonymity. The decentralized nature of crypto transactions can make it difficult to track and recover funds, making it an attractive playground for fraudsters.
FOR MORE OF MY SECURITY ALERTS, SUBSCRIBE TO MY FREE NEWSLETTER CYBERGUY REPORT TOWARDS CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER
DON’T BE MISLEADED BY CLICKING THIS IMAGE IN THIS EMAIL IN YOUR INBOX
There are a number of steps you can take to avoid these scams, such as not responding to the email, deleting it immediately, changing your passwords, and reporting the scam. (CyberGuy.com)
Steps to Take When Receiving a Threatening Bitcoin Email
If you are trapped in a similar situation and receive one of these threatening Bitcoin emails, here is the game plan:
Do not respond to threatening emails: Do not respond to or communicate with the sender of a threatening email – period.
Delete the email immediately: Immediately delete the message or email. It’s a scam.
Do not send money: Never send Bitcoin that an unknown sender requests via email.
Update your passwords: It is possible that you received this email because your data was exposed during a data breach. This means it’s time to update your passwords. Create strong passwords for your accounts and devices and avoid using the same password for multiple online accounts. Consider using a password manager, which securely stores and generates complex passwords, reducing the risk of password reuse. Check out my expert-reviewed best password managers at Cyberguy.com/Passwords.
CRYPTO-MINING MALWARE ATTACKING APPLE MAC WITH PIRATE SOFTWARE
Report the scam: You can report Bitcoin blackmail emails to the FBI, local law enforcement, and the FTC.
Scan your computer for viruses: Having good antivirus software installed on all your devices can help prevent hackers from accessing your personal information and keep you from clicking on malicious links, such as those found in Bitcoin email scams. Get my best expert-reviewed virus protection for your iPhone, Android, Mac, and PC at Cyberguy.com/LockUpYourTech.
Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password.
Invest in identity theft protection services. Identity theft protection companies monitor your personal information, such as your title deed, social security number (SSN), phone number, and email address for sale on the dark web or for open accounts. They can also help you freeze your bank and credit card accounts. Some providers even offer identity theft insurance and a fraud resolution team to help with recovery. Get my top expert-reviewed identity theft protection services at Cyberguy.com/IdentityTheft.
Keep your software up to date. Regularly update your operating system, anti-virus software, web browsers and other applications to ensure that you have the latest security patches and protections.
Kurt’s main takeaways
In the ever-changing cryptocurrency landscape, scams and fraudulent activity have unfortunately become all too common. From Bitcoin blackmail schemes to ICO frauds, phishing attempts and Ponzi schemes, the crypto field has its fair share of pitfalls. As we strive to exploit the potential benefits of digital currencies, it becomes paramount to be aware, educated and vigilant to protect ourselves from these scams.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Have you come across or heard of any crypto scams before? How do you stay ahead of scammers in the crypto world? Tell us what you think by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
For more of my security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report newsletter by going to CyberGuy.com/Newsletter
Copyright 2023 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.