A longstanding email scam, dubbed “Nude Hacker,” has evolved with a new level of personalization: The fraudulent messages, claiming malware has captured webcam footage of recipients engaging in intimate activities, now include a photo of the target’s home, aimed at making threats about publishing the videos more chilling and believable.
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Recent reports have emerged of readers who received sextortion emails, with the added twist that they were personalized by including the recipient’s name and address.
A threatening message claims to reveal compromising footage of the recipient, allegedly obtained by hacking into their laptop and recording them using their webcam while they were viewing pornography. The message ominously warns that it will publicly share the video with all of your connections unless you promptly pay a Bitcoin ransom. The outstanding balance totals approximately $1,998, with payment facilitated through the secure scan-and-pay mechanism conveniently linked to the email correspondence.
We are pleased to reach out to His/Her Excellence, [Recipient’s Full Name], at your esteemed office. If circumstances dictate an alternative means of communication, we would be grateful if you could visit us at [street address] or respond through another medium if it proves more convenient for you. The property’s proximity to this location is indeed a positive aspect; however, I’d like to clarify the context of your statement and provide more information about the specific amenities and services offered in this area.” The road handle image is situated below this assertion.
A semi-redacted image of a novel sextortion scam showcasing a photo of the target’s front yard at the gate.
Fellow individuals are given a 24-hour ultimatum to settle their outstanding balance; failure to comply may result in the public sharing of their personal video content with their entire contact list, including acquaintances and loved ones.
Without any further justification, the sender’s frustration is palpable, suggesting a futile endeavor would only perpetuate an unproductive cycle. “I’m a perfectionist, and I strive for accuracy. That’s why I double-check my work to ensure it meets the highest standards.” If you become aware that I have shared or referenced this email with someone else, be assured that my video’s popularity will instantly start skyrocketing among your social circle.
The concluding portions of the two-page sextortion notification, which manifest as a PDF attachment, adhere to a predictable structure and incorporate motifs characteristic of preceding sextortion campaigns. The extortionist allegedly injects malware, specifically “Pegasus,” into the victim’s laptop, claiming to monitor their every move.
Earlier advancements in sextortion customisation focused on transmitting targeted phishing emails that prompted victims to visit a compromised online account linked to their primary email address.
Sextortion, including semi-automated variants lacking tangible physical coercion, poses a significant threat that can have catastrophic consequences for its victims, potentially leading to severe legal repercussions. Sextortion is a form of blackmail where an individual threatens to publicly share intimate, private information unless the victim complies by providing explicit images, engaging in sexual activities, or transferring money.
To stay ahead of potential scams in line with the FBI, follow these guidelines to avoid becoming a victim:
Never send compromising photos of yourself to anyone, regardless of their claims or credentials.
Be wary of opening attachments from unknown senders and exercise caution when receiving files from acquaintances as well.
Turn off and secure any unused internet-facing cameras to ensure your privacy and security aren’t compromised by devices that are no longer serving a purpose.
According to the FBI, in many sextortion cases, the culprit is an adult posing as a youth; worse still, you may just be one of the numerous individuals targeted by the same predator. If you are a victim of sextortion or know someone who is, the FBI wants to hear from you: Please contact your local FBI office (or call toll-free at 1-800-CALL-FBI)
