“Specialized Hacker Succeeded In Hacking Your Operating System” Email Scam
Written by: Stelian Pilici
Published on:
The “Specialized Hacker Succeeded In Hacking Your Operating System” email is a prevalent sextortion scam targeting victims with false threats. This fraudulent email claims to be from a hacker who infected your device to record you visiting adult sites.
Supposedly, they will send the embarrassing videos to your contacts unless you pay a Bitcoin ransom. While appearing credible, the hackers and recordings do not exist.
This scam leverages fear and urgency to manipulate recipients. By learning their deceptive tactics, you can identify the email as an extortion fraud. This article outlines how the scam operates, so you can avoid falling prey.
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Scam Overview
The “Specialized Hacker Succeeded In Hacking Your Operating System” scam email has a subject line stating that your private information was stolen due to suspicious activity. The sender claims to be a hacker who has infected your device with malware.
Supposedly, this trojan malware allows the hacker to access your computer, record you through your webcam, and monitor your online activity. The email states that the infection originated when you visited an adult website.
Using the undetectable malware, the hacker claims to have recorded embarrassing or explicit videos of you watching pornographic content. These fake videos are edited to play side-by-side – displaying you on one side and the explicit content on the other.
The hacker threatens to send these fabricated inappropriate videos to all your email and messenger contacts. They also threaten to expose personal information like your chat logs.
To prevent the release of the imaginary recordings, you are instructed to pay a ransom of $750 USD in Bitcoin within 50 hours. Bitcoin wallet details are provided to transfer the funds.
If their demands are not met in time or you share the email, the scammer warns that they will distribute the bogus videos publicly.
In reality, this is just a fraud intended to extort money through fear and intimidation. The hacker’s claims of compromising your device and having inappropriate videos of you are complete fabrications.
Key Details of the Scam:
Sender claims to be a hacker who infected your device with malware.
States malware allows them to record you through your webcam.
Says they have embarrassing videos of you watching porn sites.
Threatens to send videos to your contacts unless you pay a Bitcoin ransom.
Provides a Bitcoin wallet address and demands $750 USD within 50 hours.
Warns that sharing the email will result in them releasing the fake videos publicly.
Here is how the “Specialized Hacker Succeeded In Hacking Your Operating System” scam email looks:
Subject: Your private information has been stolen because of suspicious events.
Greetings!
Would like to introduce myself – I am a specialized hacker, and have succeeded in hacking your operating system. At this moment, I have obtained a complete access to account of yours. On top of that, I was also unnoticeably observing all your activities and spying on you for few past months. It was possible because your computer was infected with malicious spyware, which infiltrated your computer while you were visiting a website containing adult videos.
Give me a few minutes to clarify how that affects you. Because of Trojan viruses, I am now able to have an unrestricted access to your computer as well as any other devices owned by you. In other words, I can see without any restrictions everything in your screen and even activate the camera together with microphone anytime I want, and you won’t even know about that. Moreover, I have complete access to confidential data of yours including emails, chat history etc.
You may be rightfully puzzled how come your antivirus is not able to detect the harmful software of mine. I don’t mind explaining that at all: my malicious software is driver-based; hence it refreshes its signatures every 4 hours, which makes it impossible for your antivirus to identify it.
I have come up with a video exposing the scenes of your passionate masturbation sessions on the left side, whereas on the right side it shows the dirty videos you were watching during that time. `.`
Trust me, it takes several mouse clicks to distribute this video to your entire email addresses list as well as messenger contacts on your PC or other devices. Additionally, I can easily share all your emails as well as chat history to public too.
I honestly think you would certainly like to abstain from letting that happen. There is a solution for you in this case – perform 750 USD transfer in Bitcoin equivalent to Bitcoin account of mine (it is really not difficult to do, and you can find online the step-by-step guide, if you have no idea about it).
My bitcoin account details are below as follows (Bitcoin wallet): 15wQk4AHFCtWGyAzjsG9c947prqdeR2tGb
Once the aforementioned amount gets transferred to my account, I will straight away erase all those kinky videos and vanish from your life completely. Please, settle this payment within 50 hours (2 days). A notification will be sent to me right after this email gets opened, which will trigger the countdown.
Believe me, I am very cautious, professional and never fail. If I get to know about you sharing this message with anyone else, I will right away distribute your private videos to public.
Best of luck!
How the Scam Works
The “Specialized Hacker” scam is designed to exploit common fears related to privacy and extortion. Here is an overview of how this fraudulent scheme operates:
Receiving the Initial Email
The scam begins when you receive an email with a subject line stating: “Your private information has been stolen because of suspicious events.” This urgent title is intended to get your attention and spark fear that your sensitive data is at risk.
Opening the email, you find a message supposedly written by a “specialized hacker.” The sender claims they’ve infected your computer with malware, allowing them to spy on your online activity using your webcam and microphone.
According to the email, this began when you visited an adult website, which triggered a download of their custom trojan virus. The malware signature updates every 4 hours to avoid antivirus detection.
Claims of Recorded Activity
The supposed hacker asserts that their malware has given them months of access to monitor you. With this, they’ve recorded your screen activity during visits to pornographic websites.
As proof, they describe having edited together videos placing you side-by-side with the explicit content you were viewing. The purpose of claiming such inappropriate recordings is to scare victims into paying up.
In addition to the supposed videos, the hacker states they’ve gathered private data including your emails, chat logs, and contacts lists. Again, this builds fear by threatening to leak sensitive personal information.
Demand for Ransom Payment
With the setup of compromising your privacy in place, the “hacker” moves on to demanding money to keep quiet. They instruct you to pay a ransom of $750 USD in Bitcoin within 50 hours.
Bitcoin is demanded because it offers a pseudonymous transaction method that is difficult to trace or reverse. A Bitcoin wallet address is provided for sending the funds.
The email stresses urgency, stating that a timer starts when you open the message, triggering the 50 hour countdown. This is intended to rush victims into paying out of fear.
You are threatened that if the Bitcoin is not paid in time, the hacker will release the supposed inappropriate videos publicly and send them directly to your contacts.
Follow-Up Harassment
If you engage with the scammer, they may send further intimidating messages to coerce payment. These follow-ups repeat the threats and falsified claims, insisting you comply with the ransom demands.
The harasser will continue reaching out until you block them. Their goal is to bully victims who show any willingness to pay into completing the Bitcoin transfer.
What to Do If You’re a Victim
If you receive the “Specialized Hacker” sextortion email or any similar scam message, stay calm and avoid acting on impulse. Here are steps to take if you are targeted:
Do Not Reply
Replying to the email or any follow up messages can confirm you as a potential victim. Instead, delete the scam message right away without further interaction.
Don’t Pay the Ransom
No matter how convincing the threats sound, do not pay the demanded Bitcoin. Doing so will likely lead to further extortion attempts.
Run Security Scans
Even though the hacker’s claims are false, it can’t hurt to scan your devices for malware just in case. Use trusted antivirus software to check for infections.
Change Passwords
Update passwords, especially for email accounts, to be safe. Use strong, unique passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication when possible.
Contact Authorities
Consider reporting the scam attempt to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) to aid law enforcement in tracking these crimes.
Watch for Other Sextortion Scams
Unfortunately, once you are on a scammer’s radar, you may be targeted again. Be vigilant for similar extortion attempts. Identifying them as scams will allow you to delete and ignore the threats.
Seek Support If Harassed
If the scammer harasses you repeatedly, talk to someone you trust. Speaking to a professional counselor can also help manage anxiety or fear caused by the incident.
Remember, the hacker has no actual compromising videos or access to your computer. All their threats are 100% fake, designed solely to obtain your money. Avoid reactionary decisions, and you can escape this scam unharmed.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
Frequently Asked Questions About the “Specialized Hacker” Email Scam
Is this email really from a hacker?
No, the email is not really from a hacker. It is a scam designed to extort money through false threats. The claims in the email about hacking your device or recording your activity are completely fabricated.
How do I know my device isn’t really infected?
You can run security scans with your antivirus software to verify there is no infection. The email’s claims of an undetectable trojan virus recording you are false – no such malware exists on your device.
What if I did visit an adult site?
Even if you did visit adult websites, that does not enable hackers to infect and record you. Adult sites do not automatically download malware. Furthermore, your normal online behavior has not been recorded.
Should I pay the ransom amount?
No, you should never pay the ransom demand. The threats to release videos or data are empty scare tactics with no truth behind them. Paying the Bitcoin ransom will likely result in further extortion attempts.
What happens if I don’t pay in time?
Nothing will happen if you do not pay the demanded ransom within 50 hours. The scammer has no compromising videos or files to release publicly or send to your contacts. The threats of doing so are bluffing lies to coerce payment.
Could any of my information be at risk?
Your personal information is not at risk, since no hacker has actually accessed your accounts or computer. However, it is always smart practice to update passwords and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
What should I do if I already paid the ransom?
If you already paid the scammer, contact your local authorities and the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) to report the incident. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to recover or trace cryptocurrency payments. Avoid further communication with the scammer.
How can I report this scam?
Forward the scam email to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (reportphishing@apwg.org). You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s IC3 or your local law enforcement. Reporting scams helps authorities combat these crimes.
Conclusion
The “Specialized Hacker Succeeded In Hacking Your Operating System” email scam is a prevalent sextortion fraud targeting unwitting victims. These cybercriminals utilize intimidation and misinformation to coerce payment.
By sending fake claims of having access to devices and inappropriate recordings, they hope to overcome rational thinking with manufactured fear and urgency. However, examining the evidence shows their threats of exposure have no teeth.
Understanding the deception tactics and outright lies within these scams is key. With insight into how these sextortion emails operate, recipients can take steps to safely avoid falling prey.
Remember to ignore the threatening message, avoid interacting with the scammer, and refrain from paying anything. Share this knowledge with family and friends to help prevent further victims. Through education and vigilance, we can reduce the power and prevalence of extortion fraud.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
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.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
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.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
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."
Install an 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.
Be careful what you download.
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.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
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.
Back up your data.
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.
Choose strong passwords.
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.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
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.
Meet Stelian Pilici
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
