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The FTC uses the information it gets from people who report scams to keep close watch on trends, so we can alert you to changes. Here’s one: reports of Bitcoin blackmail scams have taken a big jump in the last few weeks. The emails say they hacked into your computer and recorded you visiting adult websites. They threaten to distribute the video to your friends and family within hours, unless you pay into their Bitcoin account. Stop. Don’t pay anything. Delete the message. It’s a scam.

Based on the timing of this spike, you may get one of these messages because your email was exposed in a recent data breach. The scammers may say they have access to your computer or webcam, or installed clever software to defeat you. That’s all talk. But they may really know one of your old – or recent – passwords, and they include it in the message to prove it. When you see that, you know it’s time to update your password on that account, and consider updating other passwords, too.

If you, or someone you know, get a message like this, please report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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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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  • We won’t post comments that include personal information, like Social Security numbers, account numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. To file a detailed report about a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

We don't edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above. The comments posted on this blog become part of the public domain. To protect your privacy and the privacy of other people, please do not include personal information. Opinions in comments that appear in this blog belong to the individuals who expressed them. They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission.

Someone
August 05, 2020
The "person" who sent the email to me trying to extort me for $1000 in Bitcoin had a name on the email: Mallory Barnett. Also, the email went straight to my scam folder.
JUSTMe
August 07, 2020
I know XXXX (password deleted by me) 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 $1029. 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: 14hABbSWJnTUxGLVbmy6Xs56pdLdBrZ4D1 [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.
Handa
August 21, 2020
I received below -------- Original Message -------- Subject: urgent message Date: 2020-08-07 03:13 From: info @ To: XXXXXXXXXXXXX Reply-To: William Hudelmaier
blackbird
August 10, 2020
I received this some days ago. I know ****** (real junk password that I use for random account, nothing important) 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 $1024. 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: 1G2rEucfUfWy3EnKUYesdNotSq4oHbr7KW [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.
ED
August 11, 2020
I got one today - very unnerving! I sent it to SPAM with out reading it completely, and then deleted all SPAM.
BritAnnoyed
August 11, 2020
I got 2 of these on 30 July over here in the UK. Same body message as the ones posted here, but from two different names. Didn't know I had either message until I checked my spam folder today. They did use one of my old passwords. Laughable part was their claim to have used my webcam. I don't have one connected as I have no use for one and my elderly PCs certainly don't have any onboard.
Joseph
August 12, 2020
Hi, I got an email saying that they have hacked my OS device's when I visit adult website. that they have been watching my activity for the last two months. "Now I have all your contacts, sm data and all logs from chats for the latest 2 months but is not vey useful without something that can spoil you reputation.." "I can destroy your life by sending this stuff to everybody you know, if you want me to delete this stuff and avoid any problems you have to send $1000 to my bitcoin" Don't try to respond because this email is generated Don't try co complain because this and my bitcoin address can't be traced down. Can anyone tell me how to report this email and what should I do, about my computer and phone, should I delete everything or take it a professional ??
Daniel
August 13, 2020
Yeah unfortunately has happened, but at least I didn’t freak out too much since I haven’t used the password in years and I never watched that kind of stuff. Then the Mail mentioned “coworkers”? Well mate I don’t work just yet sooo. I think I know where it was from though. There was a recent breach on Wattpad since I got a mail warning. Changed password immediately and I think it’s from there, any other social media etc didn’t have that password. Make sure you check websites, specially those you haven’t changed passwords in a while.
Another_one_ge…
August 14, 2020
Same as many others. One thing that got me is that I used unique passcodes EVERYWHERE (no 2 sites have the same code) - The one in particular they gave me is ONLY used on the system router for our internet (DLink 868) - wondering the the router itself was the central point of the hack. Oh well, change passwords on everything and move forward. I'd love to see the video they have on me - keeping in mind I have no camera on the only computer in the house!
Robyn
August 14, 2020
Received email 8/13/2020. Very similar if not exactly similar to other posts. First part reads: I know whalebites2 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 $1029. 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: 1LTALdFCCagC8iQeUizY7SKm5QvqeczmAG [case SeNSiTiVe, copy & paste it]
suzy
August 15, 2020
This happened to me today and they did have my password that I use in 103 accounts so it has taken me all day to close out bank cards and change passwords in different accounts. It is easier to use the same PW but risky with saved credit card information.
georgeTheCat
August 15, 2020
Has anyone received emails where the subject line and body text are in Portuguese? Or rather, according to google translate, a Brazilian dialect of Portuguese? After receiving THE email (with an old password in the subject line) the contents of which have been shared here and used reasonably good English, but was written on a non-US keyboard, I've received several emails reminding me that something, some bill, is about to come due. Makes me think that whoever sent the original email eventually gave up after getting no response but they shared the email address with a Brazilian cohort.
sam
August 17, 2020
Hi, I have no idea which account this password is from, for all non important things, like shopping websites my debit card is not attached to, I use the same password. Is there any way I can figure that out from what they say? The email didn’t tell me what account it is from, just “I know ... is one of your password on day of hack..”
Angela
August 17, 2020
I received the same email on 5th Aug 2020, black mailing me to pay 1009USD for pornographic videos. My pc does not have an inbuilt cam. This is a huge scam, do not respond. File a complaint
Robbird
August 17, 2020
That just happened to me on Friday! Scary stuff. Updated PWs Looks like they tried again yesterday!
kharrisonBD
August 20, 2020
Today I got an email demand for Bitcoin from this entity: lesbiansfamilycom@ They got in through my email, they say, and can see everything on my computer. I don't know if that's true, but it's scary. I cannot figure out how to protect my email. I have malware detector on my laptop, but these emails are coming in.
rose savage
August 20, 2020
I have been receiving emails saying they are from Paypal, but the actual address looks like henrywater 26@ .Each one says I made a payment to Bitcoin Exchange for $499.98. I have not made these purchases. Nothing has shown up in my bank, yet. The number given for assistance of course does not work. What is this about? Thanks.
Leo
September 24, 2020
Message ID Subject: ⚠️ Hello! ;) SPF: PASS with IP 82.165.159.13 Learn more DKIM: 'PASS' with domain gmx.net Learn more "Gооd аfternооn!! I'm the prоgrаmmer whо hаcked intо yоur device's оS. I've been оbserving yоu fоr weeks nоw. The thing is, yоu've been infected with mаlwаre viа the аdult website yоu visited. If yоu аren't fаmiliаr with it, I'll explаin. The Trоjаn infectiоn gives me full аccess аnd cоntrоl оver yоur cоmputer оr аny оther device оn yоur lоcаl. It meаns thаt I cаn see everything оn yоur screen, turn оn my cаmerа аnd micrоphоne, but yоu dо nоt knоw аbоut it. I аlsо hаve аccess tо аll yоur cоntаcts, sоciаl netwоrking dаtа аnd аll yоur emаil cоntаcts. Why didn't yоur аntivirus detect аny mаlwаre? а: My mаlwаre uses а driver, I updаte its signаtures every 4 hоurs tо keep yоur аntivirus silent. I hаve mаde а videо shоwing hоw yоu sаtisfy yоurself оn the left side оf the screen, аnd оn the right side yоu see the videо yоu hаve gоt wаtching. With оne click, I cаn send this videо tо аll yоur cоntаcts within the mаil аnd sоciаl netwоrks. I cаn аlsо distribute аccess tо аll yоur emаils аnd messаging аpps thаt yоu use. If yоu wаnt tо prevent this, аt thаt pоint: Send $450(USD) tо my bitcоin wаllet (if yоu dоn't knоw hоw tо dо it, then type in tо Gооgle: "Purchаse а bitcоin"). My Bitcоin Wаllet: 1PbKX31xkSqxmi72ffVbzMqCMuGo2am1hz After receiving the pаyment, I will delete the videо аnd yоu wоn't heаr frоm me аgаin. I will prоvide yоu 50 hоurs (mоre thаn twо dаys) tо pаy. I see yоu're reаding this emаil аnd the timer stаrted yоu оpened it. Timer id: -Envirоnment.TickCоunt- Dоn't try tо reply me. It dоes nоt mаke аny sense (the sender's аddress is creаted by rаndоm). Filing а cоmplаint sоmewhere dоesn't mаke sense, becаuse this emаil cаnnоt be trаcked, аnd neither cаn my bitcоin аddress. I dоn't mаke mistаkes. If I find thаt yоu shаred this messаge with sоmebоdy else, the videо will be distributed immediаtely. Gооd luck with thаt. "
INDO84
August 20, 2020
Yes but who can I call for help if I can’t do something about it?
TammyD
August 20, 2020
They sent me this email a few days ago I found it in spam folder. They wanted 1,086 in bitcoins or else! Then I laughed and I laughed because I haven’t used that password in ages and my computer has tape on the camera so I knew they were lying.
Phoenixzr1
August 22, 2020
I got the exact same email today asking for $1056. I reported it to the Internet Online Complaint Center.
DJ
November 09, 2020

In reply to by Phoenixzr1

Bro same. I got the exact same email and the guy claimed that he put malware onto my device and that they would send my recording to my 8 contacts. I got that email nearly 3 weeks ago and I have 12 contacts.
Navient data breach
August 22, 2020
Was the password they had one you had previously used for a student loan account, like through navient?
pk202012
August 26, 2020
I got a similar email on August 4, 2020 stating that they have a so-called porn video of mine and they recorded it while visiting adult websites and will share it to my friends and family. The email demanded a ransom of about $1900 and included some stupid old password of mine to prove they actually got me but I don't currently use that password for either of my accounts anymore.. I hope this is nothing to worry about?
MACDeBRAC125
August 26, 2020
Thanks cuz the threatener just told me that I went to an adult website and I dunno how to do that.I only learned yesterday to complete my Google acct and I had to change my email and password s I'm crying right now someone please tell this guy I don't get paid until the 3rd then I'll buy his stuff if he'll stop out lically lying on me!!
Simon
August 27, 2020
I got the same one with one of my passwords 5 years ago. I panicked so bad, cause I believe their threat for a few seconds. But, then I ended up reading your experiences as well! Thanks every one for sharing.
Me too
August 27, 2020
I received this email today, and like some of you, I got freaked out! The request amount was $520. However, I am relieved to know it is a scam. Needless to say, I have changed my passwords.
Mismelicus97
August 28, 2020
I keep getting these. The password that was used on one of these was from 2008-2013. This time I had 50 hours to comply with an amount of 700.00.
Ralph928
August 29, 2020
I got the same email.
kr
August 29, 2020
FTC web admin: instead of linking this (email bitcoin scam) article to the generic complaint page, how about linking it to the correct form for reporting a problem like this one?
A Person
August 31, 2020
Just got one today. Went into Spam. Only noticed as I was looking for a Doctor e-mail. Sent report to FBI & so on. Do to my e-mail account, they think I'm a dude.. happens a lot but tipped me off they have no much info on me, more so since they stated they have vid of me. If they did, they would know I'm not a dude.
Username7031
September 01, 2020
I seem to have received a similar email somewhere about a month ago with similar details. Though I did not click it and I only discovered it now by checking spam folders, I know for a fact the password mentioned is not my current email password (bruh moment). I received the email from a person named "Andrew Turner".
Betty boo
September 01, 2020
I received one the other day and one a month or two ago, threatening to tell my contacts about all the porn sites I had visited and show them a video they had taken of me , they had part of a password too. Deleted immediately, they think we’re all gullible fools:
Anonymous
September 01, 2020
I received an email in August that I didn't check out until yesterday, of something similar to the new ones. The weird thing is, I don't use my webcam for anything other than Zoom, and I don't remember signing up for any adult websites with the password the hacker mentioned (might have been hacked by a second hacker). The amount was somewhere in the thousands, but I never paid it (because I saw the email about a month too late and also I don't know how bitcoin works) and no action has been done related to the blackmail, so no footage was sent (as far as I know). I don't know how to report to the FBI while still keeping privacy
Spooky1
September 04, 2020
I got the same email almost word for word asking for bitcoin on October 2019, and I didn't see it until I was clearing my spam folder today September 2020. The email stated that they installed a Trojan in my OS that can pick up any change in passwords, and that I have 48 hours to give them money and that the “clock“ starts as soon as I open the email. Is that even possible? Can only opening an email start any "countdown"?
Shiva
September 09, 2020
I got the same like Hëllo! í'm thе prоgrãmmêr whô háckеd întô yóùr dеvìce's õS. î'vê beën оbsërving yоú fôr wеeks now. Thé thìng ïs, yòû'vë bêén infectêd wïth malwarë thrôûgh thé âdúlt wèbsìtê yöu vïsítëd. in cãsе yòú'rе nòt fаmilïår wîth ît, ï'll expläïn. Thè Trõján virüs gìvés më fùll âccêss ànd còntról övêr yоür còmputër оr ány ôther dêvicè õn yöur lõcal. ìt implîês thât i cãn séê êvêrythìng ón yoúr scrêén, túrn on my camêrã ànd mícróphònê, bút yoù do nõt knöw áboût ît. ì àlso hàvê accêss tо ãll yоür còntäcts, socïâl nétwórking dâtá ând ãll yòûr córrespöndencê. Why didn't yôür äntîvïrüs dеtèct ány mãlwàrè? ânswеr: My målwarë úsès å drìvеr, í úpdáte ïts sìgnãturés ëvêry 4 hоürs tо kêep yõür äntîvìrûs sílent. î hâvе mádе å vìdèó shöwing hôw yòü sätisfy yõursêlf ón the léft sïde ôf thè scrëеn, аnd òn thê ríght sídè yóu sêê thé vïdеö yòù hávе gót wаtchïng. Wìth õnе clíck, ì càn sënd thìs vidëo tô àll yõür côntácts wìthin thë maíl ánd sóciâl nëtwõrks. ï cân álsò dìstrìbúte áccess tò all yôúr emàils ånd mеssågîng apps thät yoù ûsé. if yоú wànt tо prévént thîs, åt thàt põint: Sënd $450(uSD) tô my bitcôìn wållèt (în cãsë yòû dô not knоw how tó dö ìt, then typе ìn tò Gòöglé: "Pûrchasé ã bîtcоin"). My Bìtcóín Wällèt: d45jRXK1n7 UUFy9BheQF nJrQTJgw3cYZ aftèr gëttîng thе påymènt, ì wíll destròy thë vìdêõ and yöù won't hëär fróm mê àgаín. s) tó pày. í sêë yõû'ré rèаdíng thìs èmåîl ãnd thê timеr stârted yóù ôpеnëd ît. Timеr ìd: 71113093 Dó nоt try tô rеply me. ît dòësn't mäkе ány sеnsè (thë séndêr's ãddréss ìs genëràtеd åûtоmätïcálly). Fìlíng a cömplåïnt sömëwhèrë döèsn't mаkë sënse, bècaúsê thís еmaïl cаnnõt be trãckêd, ànd néithër cån my bîtcòïn addrëss. î dón't mаkе místàkès. ìf i find that yòù shãrèd thïs mèssаgé wíth sômèbõdy èlsé, thê vïdèõ will bë dïstribûted ïmmédïãtèly. Goõd lûck wïth thät.
sl_2020
September 08, 2020
I received an email exactly like this on August 16, 2020.
Ben
September 10, 2020
I also received such e-mails (2 of them) one right after the other today (10 Sept 2020). The subject showed a password of mine which I used many years ago. The pattern is the same: I should pay a sum into Bitcoin otherwise they would spread a video.
Me
September 10, 2020
Omg , guys ((( someone emailed me today saying that they have access to my phone Camera and microphone and all the pictures and texts and if I don’t pay them they give me 50 h after the email was opened to send them money and if I don’t they will start sending my personal info to my friends . They said the timer started when I opened the email . I deleted the email , after everything . Can anyone have access to the phone camera and video and watch me . They mentioned some trojan virus They sent to my phone or something like that to watch me .
User123
September 10, 2020
I got the same email today with the bitcoin demand for 1067$ .... wondering if the threats actually came true for anyone here who received such emails?
rsorrento
September 11, 2020
I am getting those emails with some old passwords that leaked in the past (and I am not using anymore) I am trying to report to the police, but I can't find any link into FBI website or any local police website
Pancake’sOwner
September 14, 2020
Omg I also just got the same email. I had a heart attack at first but then came across this post.
Beth
September 15, 2020
i got this same email today, the exact same sentences, but asking for $1079
Adobo
September 16, 2020
I received similar email last May 2020 in my Yahoo email account. Thank you for bringing this up. Where will I report it?
it is me
September 16, 2020
I received exact same mail as many here posted. Needless to say, I do visit adult web sites from time to time and I did panic for a minute or to. Thank you all for this page that insured me not to pay anything to the scammers. I was not going to but still... Anyway, I can not file any complaint from Croatia, but I just wanted to leave the comment to all you good people.
TGSA
September 18, 2020
Got two the other day, from two 'different' people, demanding $1000 each, ended up in spam, only noticed a few days later. The same text as received by everybody else. But did freak me out initially, glad I found the information here!
Independently
September 21, 2020
I received the same threat about circulation of videos related to adult websites. This was on September 16, by two dirìfferent addresses. Both included the same password, as a proof that they could hack my account. I recognized the password, but I cannot remember where I used it. Please advise.
Person
September 21, 2020
I got the same email on the 21st of September.
GotTheEmail
September 21, 2020
Just received in my Spam folder the same email as posted in these comments. The email ending up in Spam should have been my first clue. I value privacy a great deal, so any message indicating someone might have access to my information really freaks me out; after a moderate panic attack, I’m relieved to see this is a well known scam. Now I’m off to change every single password I can get to... Thankfully I know better than to pay these people, feel horrible for those who fell for this.
Saify
September 22, 2020
I received two exact emails two weeks ago from 2 different emails, I freaked out but after reading all this I can say my heart is at peace now. Where do I report this. It got to stop!!!
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