[chris (OP)]

And they're back!!!

This is the newest Christmas Present we've received from these low-lifes:

Hi, I'm sorry but You're going to have a bad day:

Approximately few months ago I have gained access to your devices, which you use for internet browsing. After that, I have started tracking your internet activities.

Here is the sequence of events:
Some time ago I have purchased access to email accounts from hackers (nowadays, it is quite simple to purchase such thing online). Obviously, I have easily managed to log in to your email "chris@thenakedscientists.com" account, if you don't believe me, just see header of this email One week later, I have already installed Trojan virus to Operating Systems of all the devices that you use to access your email.

In fact, it was not really hard at all (since you were following the links from your inbox emails).

This software provides me with access to all the controllers of your devices (e.g., your microphone, video camera and keyboard).
I have downloaded all your information, data, photos, web browsing history to my servers.
I have access to all your messengers, social networks, emails, chat history and contacts list.
My virus continuously refreshes the signatures (it is driver-based), and hence remains invisible for antivirus software.

Likewise, I guess by now you understand why I have stayed undetected until this email...

While gathering information about you, I have discovered that you are a big fan of adult websites. You really love visiting porn websites and watching exciting videos, while enduring an enormous amount of pleasure. Well, I have managed to record a number of your dirty scenes and montaged a few videos, which show the way you masturbate and reach orgasms. If you have doubts, I can make a few clicks of my mouse and all your videos will be shared to your friends, colleagues and relatives. I have also no issue at all to make them available for public access. I guess, you really don't want that to happen, considering the specificity of the videos you like to watch, (you perfectly know what I mean) it will cause a true catastrophe for you.

I've also a good news!
You transfer $ 1800 USD to me (in bitcoin equivalent according to the exchange rate at the moment of funds transfer), and once the transfer is received, I will delete all this dirty stuff right away. After that we will forget about each other. I also promise to deactivate and delete all the harmful software from your devices. Trust me, I keep my word.

This is a fair deal and the price is quite low, considering that I have been checking out your profile and traffic for some time by now.  If you don't know how buy bitcoin:    1) https://buy.chainbits.com/?crypto=BTC    OR    2)  https://buy.moonpay.com/

Here is my bitcoin wallet:   1MBA6abprsfy92MZ89PjLA8i5BM7jLmpSU


You have less than 48 hours from the moment you opened this email (precisely 2 days).

Things you need to avoid from doing:
- Do not reply me (I have created this email inside your inbox and generated the return address).
- Do not try to contact police and other security services. In addition, forget about telling this to you friends. If I discover that (as you can see, it is really not so hard, considering that I control all your systems) - your video will be shared to public right away.
- Don't try to find me - it is absolutely pointless. All the cryptocurrency transactions are anonymous.
- Don't try to reinstall the OS on your devices or throw them away. It is pointless as well, since all the videos have already been saved at remote servers.

Things you don't need to worry about:
- That I won't be able to receive your funds transfer.
- Don't worry, I will see it right away, once you complete the transfer, since I continuously track all your activities (my trojan virus has got a remote-control feature, something like TeamViewer).
- That I will share your videos anyway after you complete the funds transfer.
- Trust me, I have no point to continue creating troubles in your life. If I really wanted that, I would do it long time ago!

Everything will be done in a fair manner!

One more thing... Don't get caught in similar kind of situations anymore in future!
My advice - keep changing all your passwords on a frequent basis

The funny thing is that their attempt to dupe the email system to appear to be posting a message from me to myself actually produced an error, which was sent to me by our mail host, which is, in turn, how I obtained the text of this message!

Remember - THIS IS A SCAM. Do not fall for this; and if you have received a similar message, please share it here.

[chris (OP)]

We're getting new variants of these emails faster than Covid churns them out!

Here's this week's offering form another desperately sad scammer.

Please remember folks, THIS IS A SCAM. They have not compromised your computer and they don't have any recordings. It's easy to spoof emails to make it look like they are coming from your own address.

My computer doesn't even have a camera, or two screens come to that, so how they magically gained access to a non-existent camera and monitor is a mystery.

Hello!
Have you recently noticed that I have e-mailed you from your account?
Yes, this simply means that I have total access to your device.

For the last couple of months, I have been watching you.
Still wondering how is that possible? Well, you have been infected with malware originating from an adult website that you visited. You may not be familiar with this, but I will try explaining it to you.

With help of the Trojan Virus, I have complete access to a PC or any other device.
This simply means I can see you at any time I wish to on your screen by simply turning on your camera and microphone, without you even noticing it. In addition, I have also got access to your contacts list and all your correspondence.

You may be asking yourself, "But my PC has an active antivirus, how is this even possible? Why didn't I receive any notification?" Well, the answer is simple: my malware uses drivers, where I update the signatures every four hours, making it undetectable, and hence keeping your antivirus silent.

I have a video of you w*****g on the left screen, and on the right screen - the video you were watching while masturbating.
Wondering how bad could this get? With just a single click of my mouse, this video can be sent to all your social networks, and e-mail contacts.
I can also share access to all your e-mail correspondence and messengers that you use.

All you have to do to prevent this from happening is - transfer bitcoins worth $1490 (USD) to my Bitcoin address (if you have no idea how to do this, you can open your browser and simply search: "Buy Bitcoin").

My bitcoin address (BTC Wallet) is: 1Q7oKyU8HWEZk2RhP9AapqdnuCy9p3TUAq

After receiving a confirmation of your payment, I will delete the video right away, and that's it, you will never hear from me again.
You have 2 days (48 hours) to complete this transaction.
Once you open this e-mail, I will receive a notification, and my timer will start ticking.

Any attempt to file a complaint will not result in anything, since this e-mail cannot be traced back, same as my bitcoin id.
I have been working on this for a very long time by now; I do not give any chance for a mistake.

If, by any chance I find out that you have shared this message with anybody else, I will broadcast your video as mentioned above.

If you receive a message like this, using the above Bitcoin address, just mark it up as SPAM and dismiss it; definitely do not pay them and definitely do not worry about it.

[chris (OP)]

We've not see much of this lately, but today the first of these messages in a while reared its ugly head. So here it is to help out anyone who goes searching for this scammer's bitcoin address!

Hello!
Have you recently noticed that I have e-mailed you from your account?
Yes, this simply means that I have total access to your device.

For the last couple of months, I have been watching you.
Still wondering how is that possible? Well, you have been infected with malware originating from an adult website that you visited. You may not be familiar with this, but I will try explaining it to you.

With help of the Trojan Virus, I have complete access to a PC or any other device.
This simply means I can see you at any time I wish to on your screen by simply turning on your camera and microphone, without you even noticing it. In addition, I have also got access to your contacts list and all your correspondence.

You may be asking yourself, "But my PC has an active antivirus, how is this even possible? Why didn't I receive any notification?" Well, the answer is simple: my malware uses drivers, where I update the signatures every four hours, making it undetectable, and hence keeping your antivirus silent.

I have a video of you w$$$$$g on the left screen, and on the right screen - the video you were watching while masturbating.
Wondering how bad could this get? With just a single click of my mouse, this video can be sent to all your social networks, and e-mail contacts.
I can also share access to all your e-mail correspondence and messengers that you use.

All you have to do to prevent this from happening is - transfer bitcoins worth $1450 (USD) to my Bitcoin address (if you have no idea how to do this, you can open your browser and simply search: "Buy Bitcoin").

My bitcoin address (BTC Wallet) is: 17wkbqoaUCUUxw3N1QocutFJTH47Zb8jPQ

After receiving a confirmation of your payment, I will delete the video right away, and that's it, you will never hear from me again.
You have 2 days (48 hours) to complete this transaction.
Once you open this e-mail, I will receive a notification, and my timer will start ticking.

Any attempt to file a complaint will not result in anything, since this e-mail cannot be traced back, same as my bitcoin id.
I have been working on this for a very long time by now; I do not give any chance for a mistake.

If, by any chance I find out that you have shared this message with anybody else, I will broadcast your video as mentioned above.

Please remember, this is a SCAM. Don't be fooled by the attempt at deception regarding your email address. It's easy to send emails that say they are from anyone. If I wanted to, I could impersonate Elvis Presley and email his fanbase. These are just shallow scammers preying on people. Don't fall for it; and if you have received a communication like this, post it here to help warn others.

[Zer0]

UK is a popular destination for a Masters Degree in Cyber Security.

New Scotland Yard or Metropolitan Police Force is one of the Best in the World.

Why then do such Criminals not get apprehended?
Why do the People put up with such nonsense?
Where & What is the Government busy with?

Isn't this simply a Failure on part of the Law Authorities to not be able to protect the common taxpayers?

P.S. - funny! U folks have the power to bomb a country just on mere suspicion that they own WMDs, & your Ally hangs the Man who once Owned the Key to Detroit City...but you cannot deal with third world nations goons looting your people day in n day out... Ironically Funny!
(I feel pitiful & sorry for you folks)
🙏

[Zer0]

Keeping silly sarcasm aside...
& Concentrating on some constructive measures..
Here are a few Options.

"
If you are currently being subjected to a live and ongoing cyber-attack then please contact us on 101.

If you suspect you’ve been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber crime, the Action Fraud team can also provide the help, support and advice you need.

Call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 (textphone 0300 123 2050). "

Source - https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fa/fraud/online-fraud/cyber-crime-fraud/

Someone on the Forum mentioned that BitCoins are Trackable & Traceable.
The Cyber Police could make good Use of those Bit Wallet Addresses & Hopefully track down the Culprit/s.

(My bitcoin address (BTC Wallet) is: 17wkbqoaUCUUxw3N1QocutFJTH47Zb8jPQ)

Someone else mentioned TNS Twitter has Over 50k Followers.
Social networking could be used to reach out to the general public in an Awareness campaign.
And also Support could be Gathered to combat the problem in a combined manner.

I've noticed this ain't a singled out incidence.
TNS is frequently targeted.
That in itself is enough to rile up anyone.
And being a prominent public figure, one is Always susceptible to emotional, mental or physical damage.

The Worse might be yet to come...

Copyrights & Credits/Courtesy - BBC News Channel/YouTube.

DeepFakes technology can be utilised to pick on images & videos from social networking sites & can be modified to create realistically fake videos of anyone.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deepfake

P.S. - At par with incompetent politicians, people charged with safety & security of an individual are also letting down the general common masses.
They should ideally equip themselves with the latest technology orelse just quit their jobs.

P.P.S. - or maybe hire someone who could bring down the culprits to their knees in a few days acting Solo.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_McKinnon

[Peter11]

I received these emails and did not go to porn sites.They said they had videos of me yet I keep tape on my camera.This is obviously a email sent to thousands of people relying on them to respond in guilt once you do that they have you.I told them to go ahead and mail these so called video to all my email contacts .Of course they never did because there were no videos.This scam only works if you answer it.Its what they are looking for.

[Zer0]

Retracting on my Statements...

It's easy for Someone who's not in a prominent position to Blame another who holds an administrative position.

The Cyber Security Officials might be thwarting tens of hundreds or maybe even thousands of cyber attacks per week.

Hence Accusing them of incompetent & inaction wouldn't be correct.

Surely those in positions might be working hard to keep general masses out of harms way, without alerting or creating a hype about it.

Hoping Cyber Experts all over the globe are able to squash this Evil once in for all.

P.S. - a good bet would be to keep Alerting authorities about these Scams.
🤞

[GertrudeFranklin]

I refused to respond to that mail because I felt something was wrong. However, the idea that they have videos of me scared me even though I didn't have such content. It's miraculous how a person can become unsure of what he knows he did/didn't do. This case of cyber spam motivated me to research further, and I asked for help and guidance from the experts whose papers you can check here [nofollow] and read some examples. Cyber bullying became a widespread crime, and I determined that technology can harm people if it does not correspond. The free essays on cyber attacks brought me valuable information on the topic.

[Peter11]

Simply paying 3 or 4 dollars a month for a VPN can stop it all or browsers such as TOR or Goduckgo will hide all your info and you can't be traced back for you email or IP address.They use a VPN in the browser.There are many other browsers that do the same thing I recommend if you going to visit adult site that you use one of these browsers.
Thats also how you get the illegal download letter they record all the IP addresses make the service provider identify them send emails to all of them and if you answer it they got you.I got those letters too and ignored  them A VPN hides everything I pay the 4 dollars.
Actually its not true the service provider did not identify me they forwarded the email to me from the people who said I was illegally downloading music and videos.
The way they get your email address is if your logged in to anything such as the browser or social media they can scan cookies for a possible email address if you not logged into anything and you dump your cookies they can't get it.

[Peter11]

There is a site called " what is my IP address " if you want to see the info showing and there will be a google map pinpointing your exact location.Cookies also can hold all sorts of info name address phone number email address and it can be scanned they all have access to the cookie file.
Of course that kind of info would come from a site you log into and freely gave that information to which could be in the cookie left by the site..

[Zer0]

I'd Like to Acknowledge Peter's contributions towards Online safety & security.
👍
(thumbs up emoji)

P.S. - Good Job & keep up the Good Work!

[Peter11]

Thanks - the only thing I would add is if the CEO of facebook puts a piece of tape over the camera on his laptop maybe users should take it as a hint to put tape over theirs.

[Zer0]

I'm hearing talks about using DeepFakes powered by AI.

So...then pretty soon We All will have the pleasure of finding Fake Nude of Ourselves on the Internet.

Hopefully that shall bring an End to all this Emotional Blackmailing & Mental Extortion.

(Peter, there are a few Geeky n Technical OPs in the " General Science " section.
You might wanna have a look, n if possible Help the OP.)

[Gilyermo]

It seems like a particularly malicious email scam is currently circulating. These messages pretend to know your password and threaten to send a video of you to all your contacts if you don't send a certain amount of money via bitcoin within 24 hours. Do not worry- this is a scam! While the password may appear to be correct, it is more than likely one that was stolen from a data breach long ago. In fact, some scammers have already been able to successfully net a large amount of money via this scam. To protect yourself, never respond to suspicious emails and never send money requested in such an email. Be sure to also change your passwords regularly and avoid using the same passwords for different websites or accounts.

[Zer0]

@Gilyermo

Hello & Welcome to the TNS Forum.

Good Advice Appreciated!

Do you think these Scammers get access to contacts, emails, passwords, photos, videos etc thru Apps that We download thru Unknown Sources?

[Grazzironi]

I just wanted to chime in on this topic because it's so important. These blackmail email scams are definitely on the rise, and it's crucial to stay vigilant.