“I Own Very Sensitive Information About Your Web Activities” Scam Explained
Written by: Stelian Pilici
Published on:
Imagine waking up one morning to find an email in your inbox claiming to have access to your most private and sensitive information. The sender threatens to expose your darkest secrets to everyone you know unless you pay a hefty ransom. Your heart races as you read the email, wondering if it could be true. This is the reality for many victims of the “I Own Very Sensitive Information About Your Web Activities” email scam, a devious attempt at extortion that preys on the fears and insecurities of unsuspecting individuals.
In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the details of this scam, explore how it works, and provide valuable insights on what to do if you find yourself targeted.
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Scam Overview
The “I Own Very Sensitive Information About Your Web Activities” email scam, also known as the “sextortion” scam, is a malicious attempt by cybercriminals to extort money from their victims. The scammer sends an email claiming to have hacked the recipient’s device and gained access to their sensitive information, including browsing history, keystrokes, and even webcam recordings. The email often includes a password or partial password that the victim has used in the past, lending credibility to the scammer’s claims.
The scammer then proceeds to make a series of alarming allegations, stating that they have recorded the victim engaging in explicit or embarrassing activities while browsing adult websites. They threaten to expose this information to the victim’s contacts, including family, friends, and colleagues, unless a ransom is paid in cryptocurrency, typically Bitcoin.
Here is how the “I Own Very Sensitive Information About Your Web Activities” email scam looks:
Greetings!
First of all, let me tell you, you are one of a kind! It is hard to impress me because I have seen a lot in my career as a professional hacker but now I am really impressed.
I will get straight to the point. Listen to me carefully.
Several months ago, I was able to hack your operating system and gain full access to all your devices and accounts including messengers, social media profiles, etc.
I hope, now you begin to get my message. It goes without saying that I gained access to what you type via keylogger, your internet activity and webcam streaming. All of this was possible due to your frequent visits to adult websites infected with harmful malware. In other words, you were under my microscope for many days like some kind of a little bug. The only difference is that unlike you there is no bug in the world who like to watch pervert porn.
Yes, you understand it right: I was able to see everything on your screen and record video and audio streams of your camera and microphone. All of these records are currently securely saved on my storage as well as a backup copy.
In addition, I also gained access to your confidential information contained in your emails and chat messages.
Probably you are wondering why your antivirus and spyware defender software allowed me to do all of this? I am sorry but it’s a very stupid question. All antivirus programs turned into useless shit quite a long time ago. Have you ever heard last years about any “advanced” new technologies in this industry? Exactly. Nowadays, developers do not give a flying fuck about your security. Therefore, hackers like me took advantage of it.
The more you know my friend, no need to thank me. Maybe with this fresh knowledge, you will be more serious about your internet security and never take it for granted anymore.
With that out of the way, let’s cut to the chase. Using your recordings I made a video compilation, which shows on the left side the controversial porn scenes of you happily masturbating to, while on the right side it demonstrates the video you were watching at that moment.. ^.^
There are only 48 hours left since the moment you receive this email until I send this video to all your email and messenger contacts. But there is more, guess what? I can also make public all your emails and chat history.
You are sick fuck in love with freaky adult content but you are not mentally retarted so I would like to believe, you do not want to let this happen. Right? Only the most stupid man in the world would be happy if his friends, loved ones and colleagues suddenly knew about something like this.
In other words, there is no way back. It cannot be fixed. However, there is a way forward that both of us can benefit from. I am a reasonable guy and have no intention to ruin your life for nothing. I’d better like to gain something instead.
Here is your salvation – transfer the Bitcoin equivalent of 1280 USD to my Bitcoin account (you can google the process in case you don’t know how to do that).
Here is my Bitcoin address: 16UqxYLX49MkFkgqsj1NcKiNVQMRCL8pnp
Once I am notified of receiving it, I will delete all those videos and disappear from your life for good. As I mentioned, you have only 48 hours to make a transaction after you open this email.
Believe me, I am always one step ahead so no way in hell you could fool me. If I discover that you shared this message with others, I will send and publish your videos in no time.
P.S. It’s in your power to make it nice for both of us.
What sets this scam apart from other phishing attempts is the level of detail and personalization involved. The scammer may include specific information about the victim, such as their name, email address, or even a real password, which they have likely obtained through previous data breaches or leaks. This tactic is designed to instill fear and panic in the victim, making them more likely to comply with the demands.
How The Scam Works
To better understand the “I Own Very Sensitive Information About Your Web Activities” email scam, let’s take a closer look at how it operates:
Step 1: Obtaining Personal Information
The scammer begins by gathering personal information about their potential victims. This information may be obtained through various means, such as data breaches, phishing scams, or the dark web. The scammer is particularly interested in email addresses and associated passwords.
Step 2: Crafting the Email
Using the obtained information, the scammer crafts a convincing email designed to instill fear and urgency in the recipient. The email typically includes the following elements:
A subject line that grabs attention, such as “Your account has been hacked” or “Urgent: Your private information is at risk”
A claim that the scammer has hacked the victim’s device and gained access to their sensitive information
An allegation that the scammer has recorded the victim engaging in explicit or embarrassing activities
A threat to expose the recorded information to the victim’s contacts unless a ransom is paid
A specific ransom amount, usually in cryptocurrency, and a deadline for payment
Step 3: Sending the Email
The scammer sends the email to a large number of potential victims, hoping that a percentage of them will fall for the scam and pay the ransom. The email is often sent from a spoofed or anonymous email address to avoid detection and traceability.
Step 4: Collecting the Ransom
If a victim falls for the scam and pays the ransom, the scammer collects the cryptocurrency and moves on to the next target. In most cases, even if the ransom is paid, the scammer does not actually possess any sensitive information and has no intention of following through on their threats.
What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim to This Scam
If you have received an email claiming to have sensitive information about your web activities and demanding a ransom, it is crucial to remain calm and take the following steps:
Do not respond to the email or engage with the scammer in any way. Responding may encourage them to continue their malicious activities.
Do not pay the ransom. Paying the ransom does not guarantee that the scammer will delete any alleged information they claim to possess. In fact, paying may make you a target for future scams.
Change your passwords immediately, especially if the scammer has included a real password in their email. Use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
Run a thorough scan of your devices using up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software to ensure that no malicious software has been installed.
Report the scam to the appropriate authorities, such as the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or your local law enforcement agency. Providing details about the scam can help authorities track down the perpetrators and prevent others from falling victim.
Inform your contacts, especially those mentioned in the scammer’s email, about the scam to prevent them from falling victim as well.
If the scam has caused you significant distress or anxiety, consider seeking support from a mental health professional or a trusted friend or family member.
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 (FAQ) About the “I Own Very Sensitive Information About Your Web Activities” Email Scam
Q1: What is the “I Own Very Sensitive Information About Your Web Activities” email scam?
The “I Own Very Sensitive Information About Your Web Activities” email scam, also known as the “sextortion” scam, is a malicious attempt by cybercriminals to extort money from victims by claiming to have access to their sensitive information, such as browsing history, keystrokes, and webcam recordings. The scammer threatens to expose this information unless a ransom is paid in cryptocurrency.
Q2: How do the scammers obtain my personal information?
Scammers may obtain your personal information, such as email addresses and passwords, through various means, including data breaches, phishing scams, or the dark web. They use this information to craft convincing emails that appear to be legitimate and instill fear in the recipient.
Q3: Why does the email include one of my real passwords?
The scammer may include a real password that you have used in the past to lend credibility to their claims. This password is likely obtained from a previous data breach or leak and does not necessarily mean that the scammer has hacked your current accounts or devices.
Q4: Do the scammers actually have access to my sensitive information or recordings?
In most cases, the scammers do not actually possess any sensitive information or recordings. They rely on the fear and panic generated by their threats to coerce victims into paying the ransom. However, it is crucial to take the threat seriously and take appropriate measures to secure your accounts and devices.
Q5: What should I do if I receive this scam email?
If you receive an email claiming to have sensitive information about your web activities, do not respond to the email or engage with the scammer. Do not pay the ransom, as this does not guarantee that the scammer will delete any alleged information they claim to possess. Instead, change your passwords, run a thorough scan of your devices, and report the scam to the appropriate authorities.
Q6: Should I inform my contacts about the scam email?
Yes, it is essential to inform your contacts, especially those mentioned in the scammer’s email, about the scam. This can help prevent them from falling victim to the same scam and raise awareness about this type of malicious activity.
Q7: How can I protect myself from falling victim to this scam in the future?
To protect yourself from falling victim to the “I Own Very Sensitive Information About Your Web Activities” email scam, follow these best practices:
Use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts
Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible
Keep your software and operating systems up to date
Be cautious when opening emails from unknown senders or clicking on links and attachments
Regularly monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity
Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software and keep them updated
Q8: What should I do if I have already paid the ransom?
If you have already paid the ransom, it is crucial to report the scam to the appropriate authorities, such as the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or your local law enforcement agency. Provide as much detail as possible about the scam and the payment transaction. Additionally, contact your bank or credit card company to inquire about the possibility of reversing the payment or filing a fraud claim.
Q9: Can the scammers be tracked and caught?
Tracking and catching the scammers behind the “I Own Very Sensitive Information About Your Web Activities” email scam can be challenging, as they often use anonymous email addresses and cryptocurrency to avoid detection. However, by reporting the scam and providing detailed information to the authorities, you can help contribute to the ongoing efforts to identify and prosecute these cybercriminals.
Q10: Where can I find more information and support regarding this scam?
For more information and support regarding the “I Own Very Sensitive Information About Your Web Activities” email scam, visit the following resources:
The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) website on identity theft and online security
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) website
The National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) guidance on dealing with sextortion scams
Your local law enforcement agency or cybercrime unit Remember, you are not alone in facing this type of scam, and there are resources available to help you navigate this challenging situation.
The Bottom Line
The “I Own Very Sensitive Information About Your Web Activities” email scam is a disturbing and manipulative attempt by cybercriminals to extort money from unsuspecting victims. By understanding how this scam works and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to this type of malicious activity.
Remember, scammers rely on fear and panic to coerce their victims into compliance. By remaining calm, refusing to engage with the scammer, and taking appropriate measures to secure your accounts and devices, you can safeguard your personal information and online presence.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest scams and cybersecurity best practices. By educating ourselves and others, we can work together to create a safer online environment for everyone.
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.
