‘Negative Video About Your Site’ Scam Messages [Explained]

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Scams have become an unfortunate reality of the digital age. With the increasing reliance on the internet for various activities, scammers have found new ways to exploit unsuspecting individuals and businesses. One such scam that has gained traction in recent years is the ‘Negative Video About Your Site’ scam messages. In this article, we will delve into what this scam is, how it works, what to do if you have fallen victim, and provide valuable insights to help you stay safe online.

Scams

What is the ‘Negative Video About Your Site’ Scam?

The ‘Negative Video About Your Site’ scam is a form of extortion where scammers send threatening emails to website owners, claiming to have damaging videos or information about their site. The scammers typically demand a ransom in exchange for not releasing the alleged video or information to the public.

These scam messages often contain subject lines that grab attention, such as “Your reputation is at stake” or “Urgent: Negative video about your site.” The scammers aim to create a sense of urgency and fear in the recipient, hoping they will act impulsively without thinking critically.

How Does the Scam Work?

The ‘Negative Video About Your Site’ scam typically follows a similar pattern. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how the scam works:

  1. The scammer identifies a website owner’s email address, often through publicly available information or data breaches.
  2. The scammer sends an email to the website owner, claiming to have a damaging video or information about their site.
  3. The email threatens to release the video or information to the public unless a ransom is paid.
  4. The scammer provides instructions on how to make the payment, often demanding cryptocurrency for anonymity.
  5. The scammer sets a deadline for the payment, creating a sense of urgency.
  6. If the victim pays the ransom, the scammer may disappear without releasing any video or information.
  7. If the victim refuses to pay, the scammer may send follow-up emails with increased threats or attempt to tarnish the website’s reputation through other means.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim?

Discovering that you have fallen victim to the ‘Negative Video About Your Site’ scam can be distressing. However, it is important to stay calm and take the following steps:

  1. Do not panic: Scammers rely on fear and panic to manipulate their victims. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that you are not alone.
  2. Do not engage with the scammer: Responding to the scammer’s demands or threats will only encourage further harassment. It is best to ignore their messages.
  3. Secure your accounts: Change your passwords for all online accounts associated with your website, including email, hosting, and content management systems. Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
  4. Report the scam: Forward the scam email to your email provider’s abuse department and to your local law enforcement agency. Reporting the scam can help authorities track down the scammers and prevent them from targeting others.
  5. Inform your website visitors: If you believe the scammer may attempt to tarnish your website’s reputation, consider posting a notice on your site or sending an email to your subscribers, informing them about the scam and assuring them that your site is secure.
  6. Scan for malware: Run a scan with Malwarebytes Free or another reputable antivirus software to ensure your computer is not infected with malware.

Technical Details of the Scam

The ‘Negative Video About Your Site’ scam relies on social engineering techniques to manipulate victims. The scammers often use spoofed email addresses to make it appear as if the email is coming from a legitimate source. They may also use personal information obtained from data breaches to add credibility to their claims.

It is important to note that in most cases, the scammers do not actually possess any damaging videos or information about the targeted website. They rely on the fear and urgency they create to convince victims to pay the ransom.

Statistics on Scams

Scams, including the ‘Negative Video About Your Site’ scam, have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Here are some statistics that highlight the scale of the issue:

  • In 2020, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received over 791,790 complaints related to cybercrime, with reported losses exceeding $4.2 billion.
  • According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers reported losing over $3.3 billion to fraud in 2020.
  • A study conducted by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) found that scams targeting small businesses resulted in an average loss of $5,400 per business.

Summary

The ‘Negative Video About Your Site’ scam is a form of extortion that preys on website owners’ fears and vulnerabilities. By understanding how this scam works and taking proactive measures to protect yourself, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to such scams.

If you receive an email claiming to have damaging information about your site, remember to stay calm, avoid engaging with the scammer, secure your accounts, report the scam, and inform your website visitors. By following these steps and staying vigilant, you can protect yourself and your online presence from scammers.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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