Beware the “Programmer Who Hacked Your Operating System” Email Scam
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
A new disturbing email scam has emerged that aims to trick victims into paying bitcoin ransoms. Using social engineering tactics that prey on fear, these fraudulent messages claim a hacker has fully compromised the recipient’s device.
Dubbed the “Programmer Who Hacked Your Operating System” scam, this con uses flimsy evidence and empty threats in an attempt to extort money from the unaware. While these emails may sound concerning, they are completely fabricated by criminals.
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down how this scam works, provide examples of the scam email, offer advice for victims, and equip you with knowledge to avoid falling for this fraud. Forewarned and forearmed against such cyber extortion ploys.
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Overview of the “Programmer Who Hacked Your Operating System” Scam
The “Programmer Who Hacked Your Operating System” scam exhibits many hallmarks of a classic sextortion con. The criminals rely on the exploitation of human emotions like anxiety, panic, and the fear of public embarrassment.
By claiming to have deeply personal videos of the recipient, the scammers hope the target will be frightened into complying with their demands. However, these claims are false, designed to trick victims out of money.
Here is how the “Programmer Who Hacked Your Operating System” email scam looks:
Hey.
I am a programmer who hacked your device’s operating system.
I have been observing you for a few months already. The point is that you have been infected with my virus through the adult website that you visited.
If you are not familiar with this, I will explain. Trojan virus gives me full access and control over the computer or any other device. This means that I can see everything on your screen, turn on the camera and microphone, but you don’t know about it.
I also have access to all your contacts, given on social networks and your entire directory.
Why hasn’t your antivirus detected a malicious software?
– My malicious program uses a driver, I update its signature every 4 hours, so that your antivirus is silent.
I made a video showing you how you satisfy yourself in the left half of the screen, and in the right half you see the video that you have watched. With one click of the mouse, I can send this video to all your contacts from mail and social networks. I can also publish access to all of your e-mail and messengers you use.
If you want to do this, then: Transfer 1200 $ (USD) to my bitcoin wallet (if you don’t know how to do it, then write to Google: “Buy bitcoin”).
My bitcoin wallet (BTC Wallet): 1DLgvFU5wDDyDUW6GiqhK85GAbAa8WdXz
After receiving the payment, I will delete the video, and you will never hear me again. I give you 50 hours (more than two days) to pay. I have a notice that this letter has been read, and the timer will go off when you see this letter.
Do not try to answer me. This is meaningless (the address of the sender is generated automatically). There is no sense in filing a complaint anywhere, because this writing cannot be separated, like my bitcoin-address. I don’t make mistakes.
If I discover that you have shared this message with someone else, the video will be circulated immediately.
Best wishes!
Some key things to know about this scam include:
Targets everyday internet users – These scam emails blast out randomly to ensnare as many victims as possible. Anyone with an email could potentially fall prey.
Exploits fear and shame – The email tries to scare recipients into paying the ransom by threatening to share humiliating videos that do not actually exist.
Demands untraceable payment – The scammers insist on payment by bitcoin, which allows them to remain anonymous and withdraw money instantly.
Makes bogus hacking claims – The message falsely claims the recipient’s device was compromised and infected with malware, which is fabricated.
Threatens distribution of footage – If the ransom isn’t paid, the criminals threaten to send imaginary embarrassing videos to the target’s email and social media contacts.
Tries to avoid tracking – By claiming email responses won’t be read, the scammers try to prevent email tracing tools from uncovering their location.
Pressures urgency – The 48 hour timeframe adds urgency to pay the ransom before the non-existent videos get leaked. This gets victims to act rashly out of fear.
Preys on the vulnerable – Elderly individuals, as well as those with mental health issues, are often prime targets for these exploitative extortion scams.
Next, let’s examine exactly how this devious scam works from start to finish.
How the “Programmer Who Hacked Your Operating System” Scam Works
The “Programmer Who Hacked Your Operating System” extortion scam operates in several stages:
1. Criminals Obtain Email Addresses
The first step is for the scammers to acquire large caches of potential victims’ email addresses. These are gathered through various underhanded means, like:
Hacking websites and databases to steal email lists
Scraping public internet forums and social media sites for emails
Purchasing email lists from shady dark web brokers
Using bots to harvest emails from across the web
2. Fraudulent Email Template Created
The criminals then design an email template containing their fake hacking claims and extortion demand. The message is crafted to sound credible, citing technical jargon about malware installation and supposed full system access.
3. Scam Emails Blasted Out
Using the stolen email lists from step one, the scammers send their fraudulent emails en masse to millions of potential victims. The more emails blasted out, the more potential targets they ensnare.
4. Recipients Open and Read Email
As the scam messages land in inboxes around the world, some recipients inevitably open and read them. If the target exhibits any gullibility or computer inexperience, they may fall for the scam that was crafted just for them.
5. Ransom Demands Made
The email contains ransom payment instructions, demanding $950 in bitcoin to the scammer’s provided wallet address. Threats of leaking embarrassing videos are made if the ransom isn’t paid within 48 hours.
6. Some Victims Send Payment
If the scam works, the emotionally-manipulated recipient overlooks the email’s dubious claims and sends the ransom payment in bitcoin per the demands. This is the scammer’s desired outcome.
7. Criminals Disappear with the Money
Upon receiving payment in their anonymous bitcoin wallet, the scammers simply cut off all contact with the victim. Since bitcoin transactions are irreversible, victims have no way to recover their funds from these criminals.
8. Scammers Repeat the Process
With a fresh financial windfall in hand, the hackers repeat the process and blast out more scam emails to different potential victims. Rinse and repeat, making easy money off this exploitation.
This anatomy illuminates how these scams leverage fear to manipulate targets into overlooking logic and hastily sending ransom payments. Next, let’s explore how to recover if you fell victim.
What to Do If You’ve Fallen Victim to This Scam
Finding out you paid a ransom to hackers impersonating you online is a nightmare scenario. If this happens to you, here are tips on responding:
Don’t pay any more money – Cut off all contact with the scammers and never send additional payments, no matter how threatening they seem.
Report the email – Forward the scam email to your email provider’s abuse team and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Notify contacts – If you paid the ransom, the criminals may still try to contact your friends and family asking for money while posing as you. Warn your contacts that it’s a scam.
Boost security – Change all account passwords, run antivirus scans, turn on two-factor authentication everywhere possible, and monitor closely for signs of misuse.
Watch for tax fraud – Be on high alert for tax refund fraud, as scammers may have obtained key personal details enabling them to file taxes in your name.
Seek legal counsel – Speak with a lawyer regarding filing a report with the authorities. They may be able to trace the bitcoin wallet payments to identify the criminal.
Get emotional support – Being extorted online can take a serious mental toll. Seek counseling or join a support group to help process feelings of violation. You are not alone.
Learn from the mistake – As the saying goes, forewarned is forearmed. Use this as a lesson to be more vigilant against online scams going forward.
With proper reporting and enhanced security, you can limit the damage caused by these scammers. Don’t let shame prevent you from seeking help – there are resources available.
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 “Programmer Who Hacked Your Operating System” Scam
1. How does the “Programmer Who Hacked Your Operating System” scam work?
This scam begins with an email claiming the recipient’s operating system was hacked months ago. It threatens to send embarrassing videos to contacts unless a $950 bitcoin ransom is paid within 48 hours. This is completely fabricated to trick victims.
2. What are some key details in the scam email?
Claims full access to accounts and screens
Says it infected device with undetectable malware
Threatens to leak adult videos spliced with personal data
Demands untraceable $950 bitcoin payment to provided wallet
Warns contacting others or seeking help is useless
3. What are some tactics used in the scam email?
Exploits fear, panic, and embarrassment
Cites old passwords to appear credible
Pressures urgency to pay quickly before videos get sent
Makes targets feel powerless to stop the threats
Attempts to avoid email tracking to hide scammers’ location
4. What type of personal information is compromised?
No personal data is actually compromised. The hackers’ claims of videos and account access are completely fabricated to extort money. They do not have any sensitive information.
5. Does paying the ransom help?
No, paying only enables the scammers and funds their criminal operations. There are no videos to delete, so paying provides no benefit. The scammers typically disappear after receiving payment.
6. What happens if I don’t pay the ransom?
Nothing happens if the ransom is not paid, as the scammers have no compromising footage to distribute and no actual access. They are merely using empty threats in hopes of tricking victims into paying. Not paying is the recommended action.
7. Should I report the scam email?
Yes, report the scam email to your email provider’s abuse team and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. This helps authorities track and shut down these fraudsters. Also warn your contacts in case they receive similar video threats.
8. How can I recover if I already paid the ransom?
If you paid, immediately contact your bank and police. Monitor accounts closely for misuse. Enable two-factor authentication everywhere and change passwords. Seek counseling for stress. But the likelihood of recovering lost funds is unfortunately very low.
9. How can I boost security after receiving the scam email?
Scan devices for malware, change passwords, turn on two-factor authentication, monitor accounts closely, and be extra vigilant for any further contact attempts by the scammers. Also watch out for other scams targeting the same email address.
10. How can I avoid becoming a victim of this scam?
Be skeptical of threat emails demanding untraceable payments. Look for signs like threats, limited timeframes, and claims of total access as red flags. Stay calm and think critically before taking any action. When in doubt, seek help. Don’t let fear override your best judgement.
The Bottom Line
The emergence of the “Programmer Who Hacked Your Operating System” scam makes it evident that users must stay skeptical in the face of threats demanding quick payments.
This guide has armed you with specific knowledge on how these scams leverage social engineering and fear against victims. But with greater awareness, we can work together to combat these frauds.
Remember, alleged hackers contacting you demanding untraceable payment in bitcoin are almost certainly running a scam. Never act solely based on emotions like fear or panic. Stop and think critically before taking any action.
The supposed embarrassing videos, access to accounts, and contact threats are all bluffing tactics to coerce ransom payment. But armed with the information in this article, potential victims can stop these criminal extortion schemes in their tracks.
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 Thomas Orsolya
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
