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“I know about the secret you are keeping from your wife and everyone else. You can ignore this letter, or pay me a $8600 confidentiality fee in Bitcoin”.

It’s enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine, but these chilling words are part of a new scam targeting men.

Here’s how it works. Scammers have been sending letters to men, demanding payments using bitcoin in exchange for keeping quiet about alleged affairs. The letter also explains how to use bitcoin to make the payment.

This is a criminal extortion attempt to separate people from their money.

If you — or someone you know — gets a letter like this, report it immediately to your local police, and the FBI.

Threats, intimidation and high-pressure tactics are classic signs of a scam. Learn how to stay ahead of clever crooks with these practical tips, and check out the ways you can keep your personal information secure.

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Shopping and Donating
Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts

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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

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Balthazar
May 25, 2020

In reply to by Bobo

I did today. 24 hr time limit. Has access to my Facebook, past 182 days of internet history, knows everything about me, etc. Scary as hell considering this is one of the first scams I've had to deal with, and I'm still considered young by social standards. Just going to block the number and ignore.
Anonymous
May 22, 2020
Recd a text yesterday from number 262-425-4939. Block the number and DO NOT RESPOND.
ajo09
May 22, 2020
I received text messages the last two days from two different phone numbers using my fathers name claiming they had videos of him from porn sites that had their viruses. They demanded $3000 in bitcoin or they would send it to 8 of his neighbors. You would think if they were that successful at hacking they could at least find the right phone number.
Rasta fun
May 22, 2020
They said they were aware of my password and gave it on the message. Never had a password close to it. BS Seems like they are mass messaging
Jc
May 22, 2020
I have received 2 of these TEXTS to my iphone (have had the same number since 1996) from these displayed numbers; 1 (531)229-1666 gave 24 hour warning 1 (517) 317-6471 came 22 1/2 hours later Using an old password and addressed to my EX husband (Using legal name, not commonly used name) giving him 24 hrs to pay up or else the video goes to 5 friends email addresses and then not quite 24 hours later, another alluding to dire consequences if different terms are not met. I screenshot both and sent to my ex husband but from this thread, sounds like it is a futile effort to report to authorities
Rodzilla
May 23, 2020
i got a text message today with same threats. From ph# 351-222-9190. Btc address 16LqVQQbthgPUcc4Mx9FemUcMmxtg7vzaf
Limez
May 23, 2020
I just got a text message from 2404144944 demanding bitoin
INYECE
May 24, 2020
my husband received a text msg on his phone demanding $1000 in bitcoins within 24 hours or they were going to send a video to every contact in his phone. This caused a huge scare. Yet I refuse to pay this threatening text. We deleted it and reported as scam. But what happens when the 24 hours is up...? But after reading these comments I guess they try 3 times to get money from you. Does anyone have advice or feedback for us.
J.D.
May 24, 2020
I got bitcoin blackmail scam but came in the form of text message.
DenBob
May 24, 2020
Has anyone gotten one of these as a text instead as an email?
Scammed Too
May 24, 2020
Just saw an email saying they hacked my info and used a password I still use. Differences though, person said they hacked my contacts, and saw me through my camera and because I was so beautiful, he did something nasty watching me and he recorded me and would send to my contacts if I didn't send them $700 in Bitcoin. Creepy since not only does he have a current password, but knows I'm a female. Only thing odd, is it was sent on to an older email I no longer use and did go into my spam box. I check my spam as sometimes things should go into my newer email box, goes into spam.
Received via T…
May 25, 2020
I received the same type of message yesterday via text message. I’ve received scams before, but this one was strange because it came from what seemed like a real number with a NYC area code. Weirded me out so my wife and I went and changed all our passwords with 1Password. Anyone get this as a text message?
Stl
May 25, 2020
I received this threat in text form. Scary
Not today satan
May 25, 2020
My husband just received this same scam but as a text message on his phone. Why would anyone believe that if they paid the money that the photos or videos that they claim to have would go away. I’d think they’d just continually try to blackmail for more money. Ain’t happening!!
Undaunted
May 27, 2020
My 1,000 bitcoin extortion attempt came via text on my cell phone over the weekend. Said they'd accessed all my phone and FB contacts, and had a video of me via my phone's camera doing something that could prove embarrassing if exposed. The threaten was that they'd send the video to 7 of my contacts if I did not pay up. I knew it was a bogus attempt since I do not have a FB account nor had I done what they said was videoed. I did a screen capture, deleted the text, notified my cell service provider and the local police.
Pursable
May 27, 2020
I see everyone here is talking about getting emails. I got a text today just like it. How do they get my phone #. And is it different?
Got tagged as …
May 30, 2020
I just got one of these emails an hour ago. It was the email talking about visiting a porn site. These are very scary. The email subject contained a password that are linked to many old accounts that I no longer use. It is refreshing to read the comments, so thanks to all who took the time to leave them. This incident has motivated me to do some cleaning up of older accounts and updating passwords.
Tia18Don't use…
May 31, 2020
I received an email today asking for 1000 dollars they said they had hacked my contacts accounts etc and had all the passwords on their server dont bother changing them because the malware will update them had two days to send money and claimed id watched porn sites and thats were they hacked me never visited any but still worrying thinking is it true or false i just deleted email.
Maiko
June 08, 2020
Here is another one: mail of the scammer harold@a "Get $ 2000 in bitcoin and send it on the down below address: 15nBWX62ZQtGks3hCD**JQx5KtS73SZTG8a7 [case sensitive so copy & paste it, and remove * from it] If you send this 'donation' (why don't we call this that?). After that, I will vanish and never get in touch with you again. I will remove everything I have about you. You may very well carry on living your current ordinary day to day lifestyle with absolutely no stress"
Alex
June 04, 2020
Got a text message , from an email address with a .ru ending. They said I had 24 hours to send them $500 in bitcoins or they would make my life a living hell!
Bogeyman
June 08, 2020
Just got one this morning threatening my online business. English and punctuation was poor. After a few minutes email disappeared but I saved it right away. Thank God for articles like this...eased my mind right away
tw
June 08, 2020
Links to actual reporting places would be useful here, rather than the generic FBI site. This should be easy to report.
wonfish
June 11, 2020
I -- and my wife -- have been getting these e-mails about our watching porn and having our webcam taken over. We don't. But the real funny thing is that I don't have a webcam :) :) :)
Vpenna
June 11, 2020
I received an email asking for $3000 bitcoins or they will spill all my senior citizen beans.. lol. I don't have a Web cam and have never been on a porn site. I knew somebody was phishing.
Elderly man
June 20, 2020
Same email. Posted complaint. Too old to pay.
Don't use your…
June 21, 2020
Received a second of these today. Looks like a scam to me, especially since I don’t have a web cam. Came from Kristal Kjonegaard.
Jamie H
June 30, 2020
I received an email today from a ghostrojanhorse11 saying they have collected porn history and webcam footage of me and would send it to my neighbours, family, friends and co workers. If I didn’t send 1000 I’m bitcoin within 24 hours. They put this at the end of the email. “This is a non-negotiable offer, so don't waste my time and yours by replying to this email. Have a nice day.“
Fraud Prevention
July 10, 2020
I received an email from this user below. Please be aware, somehow there were able to get an old password of mine, they are trying to extort me for bitcoin. Paý ONĺý in Bitcoins! Mý BTC waĺĺet: 1GYKeSn41dEXJ L1SuZPUG xXF5fgrb McReT This is the email it came from almubu@
grantthomas6449
July 09, 2020
If you are in need of hiv or herpes cure kindly search for" Dr Tokubo Temple " on google search or youtube you will find him there.
Question
July 21, 2020
I got one bout an hour ago but dunno how to deal with this
M....
August 26, 2020
I received one too! Via email and then the next day @ jessicarex47 who is a spam account related to Bitcoin on IG started following me and my friends too. She was trying to message me on IG. We all blocked and reported it spam.
503Momof2
August 26, 2020
I received an email from Payne@ blackmailing me that if I don't pay him in BitCoin he will send videos that he recorded of me (via malware) to all my friends on FB.
HiImwill
August 26, 2020
so dude had me create an account on Ayrexoption. its basically trading bitcoin, so i made the account and he is asking for a screenshot of my trading dashboard,, should i do it? Im conflicted..cause im not trying to be blackmail.
Lb
August 11, 2020
I received the bitcom email late last week. I do not visit Porn sites and have only used my web cam for a recent DR visit. Otherwise my camera is covered by a blackout cover. I did change passwords and set up every account with a second OTP code to go to my phone. It has been almost a week now and I never responded to the email but I have not heard a word. I feel they are free to send any porn videos they can find with me. I am sure my husband would love to get a copy also.
RS5SB
August 12, 2020
Received one on Thursday. Found today in my Gmail junk folder Nearly exact same text as the examples everyone else here has given. Password given was old password definitely used during timeframe of data breach. Like all of you I’m ignoring it.
Annoyed in Sou…
December 28, 2020

In reply to by RS5SB

I'm adding to the awareness. On 30 August I too received this threatening bitcoin extortion/scam email with 1 of my passwords that I recognize. Found in: my Gmail junk folder. Sender: Paul Morgan (Glover@) Amount extorting: $1087 BTC address: 1N8WEPMyvQea7Xqrh2WMiQJUa5P9wbNpEk
jthnk.s2
December 28, 2020
I am deaf. Someone hacked me bitcoin "OctafxOptionsPlus" telegram and I did sent him $1000, $200, $300, $200 and no receive my amount. Since one week. they are cheated for us. because my wife is pregnant. please help us. I need refund or matter amount. 324aW3dGFeJ1zAhJjF8EEzYqGQ1cg4yCVz - Someone bitcoin blockchain. please found and contact us. fake www. octafxo ptionplu and please check there. Remote Address: 23. 94. 30.178 :443 please support us, I need a save my wife pregnant and how much I can't save her. I am not acknowledge but later I found scam.
Lcj000y
August 26, 2020
I just received this terrifying message today. Scares me. Please help.
T
August 28, 2020
Got the same email today. Said they got my email off of an “adult website” and that they had all my contacts and would ruin my life by sending out information unless I sent them 1,000 in bitcoin. Gave me 50 hours. Kinda made me laugh and nervous. Haven’t visited any adult sites but I have looked up and sent out a ton of memes. Hope they enjoy them.
Griim
September 20, 2020

In reply to by T

Received september 11, didn't paid attention because it was in my spam, i'm nervous but i didn't created any account on those kind of website and i don't remember using the password the mail was saying... I post this the 09/20/20 and nothing happenned -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I know ............. is one of your password on day of hack.. Lets get directly to the point. Not one person has paid me to check about you. You do not know me and you're probably thinking why you are getting this email? in fact, i actually placed a malware on the adult vids (adult porn) website and you know what, you visited this site to experience fun (you know what i mean). When you were viewing videos, your browser started out operating as a RDP having a key logger which provided me with accessibility to your display and web cam. immediately after that, my malware obtained every one of your contacts from your Messenger, FB, as well as email account. after that i created a double-screen video. 1st part shows the video you were viewing (you have a nice taste omg), and 2nd part displays the recording of your cam, and its you. Best solution would be to pay me $1028. We are going to refer to it as a donation. in this situation, i most certainly will without delay remove your video. My -BTC -address: 15qqdSVzSiSrZfYne8vraJffi42f8keiFb [case SeNSiTiVe, copy & paste it] You could go on your life like this never happened and you will not ever hear back again from me. You'll make the payment via Bitcoin (if you do not know this, search 'how to buy bitcoin' in Google). if you are planning on going to the law, surely, this e-mail can not be traced back to me, because it's hacked too. I have taken care of my actions. i am not looking to ask you for a lot, i simply want to be paid. if i do not receive the bitcoin;, i definitely will send out your video recording to all of your contacts including friends and family, co-workers, and so on. Nevertheless, if i do get paid, i will destroy the recording immediately. If you need proof, reply with Yeah then i will send out your video recording to your 8 friends. it's a nonnegotiable offer and thus please don't waste mine time & yours by replying to this message.
DKarso
September 13, 2020
I received this “friendly” email this morning: From: ATTENTION! Date: September 13, 2020 at 03:05:35 CDT To: Donald Subject: YOUR LIFE IS AT RISK Good day. I have a website in the darkweb, I perform all kinds of services - basically it is destruction to property and injury. Basically, all but the shooting. Often main reasons are rejected love or competition at workplace. This week she contacted me and set me the mission of splashing acid in your face. Default practice - quickly, painfully, for life. Without too much fuss. I get receive only after finishing the order. Thus, now I propose you pay me to be inactive, I propose this to nearly all the victims. If I do not receive money from you, then my person will fulfill the mission. If you give me money, besides to my inactivity, I will provide you the info that I have about the client. After finishing the mission, I always lose the performer, so I have a selection, to get $1000 from you for info about the customer and my inaction, or to receive $2000 from the customer, but with a big probability of spending the performer. I'm getting paid in Bitcoin, here's my bitcoin address: bc1q5hv73h8g8lyttk5dkp0v7lfnk6q97wdny6384g If you do not understand how, look online how to buy bitcoin. The amount I indicated above. You have 48 hours to decide and pay.
ReallyUpset
September 13, 2020
Just received this email. Who do I report it to. From a Beverlee Kittelson. Anyone else get one asking for $700.00 with bitcoin.
Aleen
October 07, 2020
I got following message in Korean giving the translation below Hi! Unfortunately, there are some bad news. I got access to the device you were on the internet a few months ago. Since then I've been monitoring your internet activity. It's your responsibility to visit adult websites regularly. Simply put, you were able to access your data through the websites you visited. I've uploaded a Trojan horse to the default driver that updates its signature several times a day. So that virus detection programs can't detect it. Besides, through that, I was able to access your camera and microphone. And recently, one great idea came up. On one side of the screen, a video of you ascending, and on the other, the video you were watching. It was really fun! It has already been proven through others that I can send this video to people in your contacts. Of course you want to avoid this kind of situation. With that in mind, my suggestion is this: Transfer the value of US$1750 worth to my Bitcoin wallet. Then I will forget everything. I will permanently delete all data and videos. I think that's the right price for this job. You can find out how to buy bitcoins with search engines like Google or Bing. It's not that difficult. My Bitcoin wallet (BTC): 1Lv PJ nRD BcC9Z znqN 75LQ PN1 MUhi N Zh1zn There are 48 hours left. And keep in mind: if you try to reply to me, it doesn't make sense — because you're using an automatically generated address. Report it would be useless. Mail containing my Bitcoin wallet cannot be tracked. Everything is designed very accurately. If I find out that I told someone else about this letter-the video will be shared immediately. People in your network will be the first to receive it. After that, I'll upload the video on the Internet! PS I've been taking time from the moment I open this letter. (Because a timer is planted in this program). good luck! And take it easy. Just because I wasn't lucky. Be careful next time!
Scared
October 11, 2020
I got extremely scared after viewing this email, they knew my name and threatened to send things to all my contacts. Realizing it was a hoax was so relieving.
Madashell
October 15, 2020
Hello! You still have not paid the requested amount of $ 250. We found very interesting in your hacked accounts information that will cost more than $ 3000 on the darknet. We give you one last chance. You have 7 hours to translate the requested amount. If you don't care who uses your data, then you can do nothing. Bitcoin wallet to which you want to transfer $ 250 1MaRdde6X7SGuoCdFNL2 fmgpLom dx7peGC Name: BennieKem Email Address: ju dy st robel Company: google
Sanchit Kumar
October 20, 2020
Hey I am Sanchit and I have got the same email asking for Bitcoin for shutting up his mouth about my secret beware of such kind of emails these are totally scams . can someone please tell me in the comments how can I report such kind of emails to FTC consumer information?
PaReceipt
October 26, 2020
Hi please i need your help someone change my password so now i can open my account
scamreporter
March 30, 2021
My dad got the exact same message From: Phillip Smith
Ramilla
October 28, 2020
I have been receiving these emails for several months through a work email... In a world where DeepFakes are a thing, I am sure that any individual with enough skill at video editing or an even a smartphone face-swapping app could create a video that could be viewed as a compromising video to be shared, I am sure if such a video were ever actually shared one would be surprised by the acting skills. The most ridiculous thing is these scammers think using the implied shame of someone's sexual activity as blackmail? in 2020? meh... weak.
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