The “Read this message carefully” Blackmail Scam Explained
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
You’re going through your emails when you suddenly come across one with an unsettling subject line: “Read this message carefully.” Feeling curious but also a bit uneasy, you open it to find a disturbing message. The sender claims to have access to your personal information, private moments, and threatens to share them with everyone you know unless you pay up. This is the frightening reality of the “Read this message carefully” blackmail scam. It’s a scheme designed to manipulate and exploit people’s fears and vulnerabilities in our digital world.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how this scam works, the tactics used by these scammers, and most importantly, what you can do to protect yourself from becoming a victim. Stay with us as we navigate through this dark corner of the internet and learn how to keep your privacy and peace of mind intact.
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Scam Overview
The “Read this message carefully” blackmail scam typically begins with an unsuspecting individual receiving an email with a subject line designed to grab their attention, such as “Isn’t calling [recipient’s phone number] too personal to reach you.” The email is crafted to instill fear and panic in the recipient, claiming that the scammer has gained access to their device through malware installed on an adult website.
The scammer asserts that they have been monitoring the recipient’s online activities, including their browsing history and personal interactions. They claim to have captured compromising footage of the individual through their device’s camera and threaten to expose this content to the victim’s contacts, friends, and family unless a ransom is paid.
The email often contains personal information, such as the recipient’s name and phone number, to lend credibility to the scammer’s claims. However, it is important to note that this information is likely obtained through data breaches or publicly available sources, rather than actual hacking or surveillance.
Here is how one of these scam emails might look:
Subject: Isn’t calling xxxxxxx too personal to reach you.
Recipient’s name,
I know that, recipient’s phone is a convenient to have a chat with you in case you don’t cooperate.
So I suggest you read this message carefully. Take a moment to chill, breathe, and analyze it thoroughly. ‘Cause we’re about to discuss a deal between you and me, and I need you to be on point.
You don’t know anything about me whereas I know you very well and you must be wondering how, right?
You’ve been treading on thin ice with your browsing habits, clicking through those girlie videos and clicking on links, stumbling upon some not-so-safe sites. I actually installed a Malware on a pxxx website and you accessed it to watch(you get my drift).
And while you were busy enjoying our videos, your smartphone started out functioning as a RDP (Remote Device) which provided me with complete accessibility to your device.
I can look at everything on your display, switch on your cam and mic, and you wouldn’t have a clue. Oh, and I have got access to all your emails, contacts, and social media accounts too.
What did I do?
Been keeping tabs on your pathetic existence for a while now. It’s just your bad luck that I saw your bad deeds. I put in more days than I should have exploring into your personal life. Extracted quite a bit of juicy info from your system. and I’ve seen it all.
Yeah, Yeah, I’ve got footage of you [removed] off in your room (nice setup, by the way). I then developed videos and screenshots where on one side of the screen, there’s the videos you were watching, and on the other part, its your vacant face.
With just a click, I can send this filth to every single of your contacts.
What should you do?
I feel your worry and confusion. In good faith, I’m ready to wipe the slate clean, and allow you to move on with your life and wipe your slate clean. I am about to give you two alternatives. Either turn a blind eye to this letter (bad for you and your family) or pay me a small fee to close this chapter forever.
Let’s explore these two options in more detail.
First Choice is to ignore my mail. You should know what will happen if you choose this path. I will send your video to your entire contacts. The video is straight fire, and I can’t even fathom the humiliation you’ll face when your colleagues, friends, and fam check it out. But hey, that’s life, ain’t it? Don’t be playing the victim here.
Other wise choice is to pay me, and be confidential about it. We’ll name it my “confidentiality tip”.
Lets discuss what happens when you select this path. Your little secret remains your secret. I will keep my end of the bargain and wipe everything clean once you come through with the payment.
Pay attention, I’m telling you straight: ‘We gotta make a deal’. I want you to know I’m coming at you with good intentions. You will make the transfer via Bitcoin.
Required Amount: USD 1950 & bitcoin address
Let me tell ya, it’s peanuts for your tranquility.
Notice: You got one day to sort this out. (I’ve a special pixel in this mail, and now I know that you have read this message). My system will catch that Bitcoin payment and wipe out all the dirt I got on you.
Don’t even think about replying to this, it’s pointless. The email and wallet are custom-made for you, untraceable. I don’t make mistakes, Channel. If I catch that you’ve shared or discussed this email with anyone else, the video will instantly start getting sent to your contacts.
And don’t even think about turning off your phone or resetting it to factory settings. It’s pointless. Let’s get this sorted out within 5-6 hours, I’m waiting for the payment.
Honestly, those online tips about covering your camera aren’t as useless as they seem. Don’t dwell on it. Take it as a little lesson and keep your guard up in the future.
The scammer’s ultimate goal is to manipulate the victim into paying a “confidentiality fee” in Bitcoin, typically amounting to several hundred or even thousands of dollars. They create a sense of urgency by imposing a strict deadline, usually within 24 to 48 hours, and warn against attempting to contact authorities or seeking help.
How the Scam Works
Step 1: Crafting the Email
The scammer begins by composing an email designed to instill fear and panic in the recipient. They use attention-grabbing subject lines and address the recipient by name to create a sense of familiarity and urgency. The email’s content is carefully crafted to make the recipient believe that their personal information and online activities have been compromised.
Step 2: Claiming Access to Personal Information
To lend credibility to their claims, the scammer includes personal details about the recipient, such as their name, phone number, or email address. They assert that they have gained access to the victim’s device through malware installed on an adult website, implying that they have been monitoring the individual’s online activities.
Step 3: Threatening to Expose Compromising Content
The scammer claims to have captured compromising footage of the recipient through their device’s camera, often while they were allegedly watching adult content. They threaten to expose this content to the victim’s contacts, friends, and family unless a ransom is paid. This tactic is designed to exploit the recipient’s fear of embarrassment and reputational damage.
Step 4: Demanding Payment in Bitcoin
To maintain anonymity and make the transaction untraceable, the scammer demands payment in Bitcoin, a decentralized cryptocurrency. They provide a specific Bitcoin wallet address and instruct the victim to transfer the requested amount, typically ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
Step 5: Creating a Sense of Urgency
To pressure the victim into complying with their demands, the scammer imposes a strict deadline for payment, usually within 24 to 48 hours. They warn against attempting to contact authorities or seeking help, claiming that doing so will result in the immediate release of the alleged compromising content.
Step 6: Exploiting Fear and Vulnerability
Throughout the email, the scammer employs manipulative language and scare tactics to exploit the recipient’s fear and vulnerability. They aim to create a sense of powerlessness and isolation, making the victim believe that paying the ransom is their only option to prevent the exposure of their personal information and alleged compromising content.
What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim to This Scam
If you have received an email similar to the one described in this article, it is crucial to remain calm and take the following steps:
Recognize that it is a scam: Understand that the claims made in the email are highly unlikely to be true. Scammers often use fear and intimidation tactics to manipulate victims into complying with their demands.
Do not engage or respond: Avoid any communication with the scammer. Do not reply to the email, as this may only encourage further attempts to extort money from you.
Do not pay the ransom: Paying the demanded sum does not guarantee that the scammer will keep their word. In fact, it may only encourage them to target you again in the future, as they now know that you are susceptible to their tactics.
Report the scam: Forward the email to the appropriate authorities, such as your local law enforcement agency or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Reporting the scam helps raise awareness and aids in the investigation and potential apprehension of the perpetrators.
Strengthen your online security: Take proactive measures to protect your devices and personal information. Regularly update your software, use strong and unique passwords, and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. Consider using reputable antivirus software and be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
Seek support: If the scam has caused you significant distress or anxiety, do not hesitate to reach out to trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals for support. Remember that you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you cope with the emotional impact of being targeted by such a scam.
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 “Read this message carefully” Blackmail Scam
Q1: What is the “Read this message carefully” blackmail scam?
A: The “Read this message carefully” blackmail scam is a type of email-based extortion scheme where scammers send threatening messages claiming to have compromising information about the recipient. They demand payment, usually in Bitcoin, to prevent the alleged information from being shared with the victim’s contacts, friends, and family.
Q2: How do scammers obtain personal information for this scam?
A: Scammers often gather personal information from data breaches, publicly available sources, or social media profiles. They may include details such as the recipient’s name, phone number, or email address to make their claims seem more credible.
Q3: Can scammers really access my device’s camera and capture compromising footage?
A: In most cases, no. Scammers use scare tactics and false claims to make victims believe they have been secretly recorded. Accessing a device’s camera remotely is not as simple as the scammers claim, and it is highly unlikely that they have actually obtained any compromising footage.
Q4: Why do scammers demand payment in Bitcoin?
A: Bitcoin is a decentralized cryptocurrency that allows for anonymous transactions. Scammers prefer Bitcoin because it is difficult to trace and recover funds once a payment has been made.
Q5: What should I do if I receive a “Read this message carefully” blackmail email?
A: If you receive this type of email, remain calm and do not engage with the scammer. Do not reply to the email or attempt to contact them. Most importantly, do not pay the ransom, as this does not guarantee that the scammer will keep their word, and it may only encourage them to target you again in the future.
Q6: Should I report the blackmail scam to authorities?
A: Yes, it is essential to report the scam to the appropriate authorities. Forward the email to your local law enforcement agency or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Reporting the scam helps raise awareness and aids in the investigation and potential apprehension of the perpetrators.
Q7: How can I protect myself from falling victim to this scam?
A: To protect yourself, be cautious when opening emails from unknown senders and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments. Keep your software and devices updated, use strong and unique passwords, and enable two-factor authentication when possible. Additionally, be mindful of the personal information you share online and on social media.
Q8: What should I do if I’m feeling distressed or anxious after receiving a blackmail scam email?
A: It is normal to feel distressed or anxious after being targeted by a blackmail scam. If you are experiencing these emotions, reach out to trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals for support. Remember that you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you cope with the emotional impact of the situation.
Q9: Can I prevent scammers from targeting me in the future?
A: While it’s impossible to completely prevent scammers from targeting you, you can reduce your risk by being cautious online, keeping your personal information private, and staying informed about the latest scams and cybersecurity threats. Regularly monitor your accounts and credit reports for any suspicious activity, and consider using reputable antivirus software and email filters.
Q10: What are some red flags to look out for in a blackmail scam email?
A: Common red flags include urgent or threatening language, requests for payment in cryptocurrency, claims of having compromising information or footage without evidence, and generic greetings that don’t address you by name. If an email contains these elements, it’s likely a scam and should be treated with caution.
The Bottom Line
The “Read this message carefully” blackmail scam is a malicious attempt to exploit individuals’ fears and vulnerabilities for financial gain. By understanding how this scam works and taking appropriate measures to protect yourself, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to these unscrupulous tactics.
Remember, scammers rely on fear and intimidation to manipulate their targets. By remaining calm, refusing to engage with the scammer, and seeking help from the proper authorities, you can take control of the situation and protect yourself from further harm.
In an increasingly connected world, it is crucial to prioritize online security and remain vigilant against potential threats. By staying informed, practicing safe browsing habits, and maintaining open lines of communication with trusted individuals, you can navigate the digital landscape with greater confidence and resilience.
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.
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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.
