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The email suddenly appears in your inbox. Someone is writing to say that they have access to your cell phone or your computer. And they’re about to make your sensitive videos, pictures, or compromising information public. Pay them money (a ransom), they say, using a cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin, and they won’t expose the truth.

Have you gotten one of these emails? If so, you’re not alone. The email is a part of a cryptocurrency blackmail scam that’s been popping up for a while. But last month, the FTC saw another uptick in the number of reports of this scam.

We’ve said it before, but it’s always worth repeating. The person behind these emails is a scammer. Don’t pay him. He’s using threats, intimidation, and high pressure tactics to trick you out of your money. And while the scammer may say that he knows about an alleged affair, a video, or something else that could embarrass you if it was made public, it’s all fake. In fact, it’s also a criminal extortion attempt. Which is why it’s really important that you report this type of scam to the FBI, right away. And once you do, remember to tell the FTC, too, at ftc.gov/complaint.

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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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carrieruth
June 27, 2020
I did receive one of these. I called the real company to ask and they assured me it was likely a scam. I didn't open, nor did I respond. But it's good to know we should report these to the FBI and FCC. Thanks for the information.
Kiwiwriter
June 27, 2020
I get these at work all the time. They claim to have watched me do naughty things via webcam on my computer. The joke's on them... my work computer doesn't even HAVE a webcam. To the spam pile they will go They will go They will go To the spam pile they will go My dumb spammer
Michelle R.
June 29, 2020
It's interesting to see how many of there are who have gotten these kind of emails. I received my first one sometime around Nov 2019. They told me not to call the police, not to forward the email to anyone because they would know the moves I made and that they would destroy everything on my pc. They wanted me to send money. There have been 2 other ones that I can remember. The first one had me worried, the last 2 I just deleted. I never clicked on any links, and never replied to them. But I also did not report them to anyone. I will have to try to remember to do that should it happen again.
BooBooCat
June 29, 2020
Beware!!!! 1). Don't trust anything that's free !! 2). Don't ever give them any personal info over phone, text or email!!!!! 3). never send money or gift cards! (gift cards are a huge sign it's fake!) These scams/ers are pernicious and the perpetrators of just plain mayhem, evil & mean spiritedness. Hey FTC, why isn't there a better way to find these scammers out and stop them "before" they strike -- not after ! Moreover, the consequences must also be more swift to adequately deter them. These crooks & cowards have no common decency or a bone of integrity... it's like navigating through a constant barrage of land mines at every turn. Very sad state of affairs what the internet has become. Not at all fun.
Bob
June 29, 2020
This has happened to me twice, but I did not notify the FBI or FTC. I did report it as phishing and blocked the site(s) as these came in. I made sure I didn't open them as it appeared to be ludicrous. These tend to come up in junk and are slightly better worded than the "Nigerian Prince left you $6 million in gold" things of the days of yore. The other thing I've noticed is that I receive "free sample" emails and actual products in the mail, (the phone messages have increased as well). I keep handwritten copies of passwords and change the quarterly or more often if I feel a site has been compromised. From now on, I'll notify the appropriate agencies when I receive these types of threats and cyber-intrusions.
One of the many
June 29, 2020
I too have received multiple emails like these. My threat includes an old password I no longer use; I figured out it was a password I had used on Netflix (they had a major security breach a while back) and also LinkedIn (which I no longer use, deleted the account). I didn't bother reporting them to anyone until reading these FTC emails. Glad to know at least someone is working on this garbage!
freaked me out
June 29, 2020
I just received one of these saying I had 24 hrs from the moment I opened the email to send $450 btc or they would sell access to my financial accounts, etc. They "prove" access to my pc and phone by giving my user name and current password to several things. I admit it scares me because this is a password still in play. Other than change passwords immediately, should I be worried?
millerf1
June 30, 2020
It is not a scam it is blackmail plain and simple, a major crime they are getting away with if no one takes action to arrest them and their money launderers!.
Hilary
June 30, 2020

In reply to by millerf1

My internet has been down for the last few days and am just reading this now. Portion of a password and bitcoin threat. But I knew they had no idea who I was since they referred to anatomy that I don't possess.
Bob
July 02, 2020
I have received three of these, blocked the first two, third came in two days ago. Now I have info on how to report this garbage. I did R click over the Sender button and there was a mass or re-routs undoubtedly designed to keep the sender anonymous. Following through is way above any skills I possess. If another pops up, I'll send it to the FBI/FTC. No one should be treated this way, and the individual(s), should be exposed as they threaten to expose others.
Liz
July 02, 2020
Yes this happened to me. In the subject line they used my Facebook Password. I immediately changed my password and tagged the email as spam.
CMP71
July 08, 2020
I received a text saying they had my information and because I did not respond, they proved their point by depositing a check by mobile deposit into my bank account. They proceeded to do that 21 more times and had me send the first 2 as bitcoin through cashapp. I have no idea how they got my information but they sure did have exactly what they said. My bank did not catch it and I could not report it because it was done over the holiday weekend. Now I have lost my bank account of 20 years and apparently owe the bank $4100. I have absolutely no way of coming up with that kind of money and I have no resources. These folks know their stuff.
Cars
July 12, 2020
I got scammed on July 7th
Ms J
July 15, 2020
I have received two of these attempts at blackmail so far and have reported them to both the FBI and the FTC. Fortunately, nothing in either message contains anything that can identify me. However, I am concerned about the people who will read the same message, hit the panic button, and comply with the criminal's demands. Exploitation is a felony--even if the scammer has nothing on you. Hopefully, if enough of us report these emails, someone will be brought to justice.
Texastsunshine
July 15, 2020
I GOT AN EMAIL TODAY AN AT THE TOP SENDER/ SAYS/HACKED THE IT SAY / TO YOU, AN IT GOES ON STATING THINGS AN PAYING WITH BITCOINE ETC. I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO OR WHO CAN HELP? HELP?????
Alert #735 Scam
August 21, 2020
Received one of these emails on Sat. 8.1.20 from go.xk.ks@yq.g.jmd.inbox.com stating he/she is a hacker and has full access to my account. Subject said: Alert #735 -YOU HAVE BEEN HACKED. Demanded sending them $700 within 50 hrs (2 days) to prevent further hacking. Then stated filing a complaint does not make sense because their email cannot be tracked. Deleted it.
jeff
August 26, 2020
the scammer knew my Job. how is that possible? does it mean he really has my contact and password. I already changed all the password of all my accounts.
Poufouille
July 24, 2021
This has happened to me four times and each time I have validated their address as well as checking to see how many transactions they’ve made and reported every associated address to the fbi. There aren’t asking for a small amount of money and the fact that I can see that people have sent it to them is enough for me to take this time to do this.
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