What is the Bitcoin Blackmail Scam?
A new type of email scam is making its rounds on the internet. It involves a threatening message from an unknown sender, claiming to have hacked into the victim's computer and accessed their passwords and contacts.
The hacker also claims to have inserted malware that has captured embarrassing videos and screenshots of the victim, which they will send to all stolen contacts unless a certain amount of money in bitcoins is paid. Usually, these videos are related to adult content or dating links. The hacker demands payment within a given deadline and promises to delete the embarrassing material if they receive it.
This scam is usually sent to work emails in an attempt to blackmail victims into paying up. An example of this email can be found online, with words that may differ but generally follow the same script. In conclusion, this Bitcoin Blackmail Email in 2020 is nothing more than a sextortion attempt that should not be taken seriously.
How do scammers use social engineering in an attempt to frighten their victims into submission?
Scammers use social engineering to frighten their victims into submission by exploiting their emotions. They often use fear, intimidation, and guilt to manipulate people into giving them money or personal information. For example, in the case of the Bitcoin Blackmail Email in 2020, the scammer threatens to send embarrassing videos and screenshots of the victim to all of their contacts if they do not pay a certain amount of money in bitcoins. This is an attempt to scare the victim into paying up quickly before they have time to think it through. Additionally, scammers may also use flattery or false promises in order to convince victims that they will benefit from complying with their demands.
What are the top five signs that an unsolicited email in your inbox is a scam?
- Unsolicited emails from unknown senders.
- Requests for personal information or payment in an untraceable form, such as Bitcoin.
- Poor grammar and spelling mistakes in the email body.
- Threatening language or demands for immediate action.
- Links to suspicious websites or attachments that could contain malicious software (malware).
