Don’t Fall for the “I Have Been Watching You” Email Scam
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
Imagine opening your inbox one day to find an email from an unknown sender claiming to have compromising videos or information about you. The email threatens to share this damaging material unless you pay a ransom demand in bitcoin.
This is the essence of the “I Have Been Watching You” extortion email scam that has recently proliferated globally. The alarming messages are specifically designed to scare recipients into paying hush money to keep their secrets safe.
But what exactly is this scam? How does it work? And most importantly, what should you do if you receive one of these disturbing emails? This comprehensive guide will provide an in-depth look at the “I Have Been Watching You” extortion scam, unpacking how cybercriminals exploit fear to profit off innocent victims.
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Scam Overview: Dissecting the “I Have Been Watching You” Extortion Emails
The “I Have Been Watching You” scam comprises ominous emails threatening recipients to expose embarrassing or damaging videos, photos, or information about them unless a bitcoin ransom is paid.
The emails are personalized with the recipient’s name and sent from spoofed email addresses to appear legitimate. They leverage fear and intimidation to extort money, pressuring victims to comply rather than risk exposure.
Common Subject Lines Used
The scam emails feature alarming subject lines intended to immediately startle recipients such as:
“You Must Read This!”
“Your Reputation is on the Line”
“Better Listen to What I Have to Say”
“Hidden Camera Footage”
“You are My Victim”
“I Know What You Did”
The Anatomy of the Emails
While the specific wording varies, the emails generally follow this basic template:
Greeting: Opens with the recipient’s first name to establish familiarity.
Hook: Vague claim of having embarrassing or damaging information, photos, or videos of the recipient.
Demand: Threat to send the info to the recipient’s contacts unless a bitcoin ransom is paid within a short timeframe, usually 24-48 hours.
Details: Bitcoin wallet address provided for payment along with instructions for buying bitcoin if needed.
Consequences: Emphasizes irreversible consequences like ruined reputation or relationships if payment isn’t made.
Intimidation: Adds fake details like spyware attached to recipient’s device to heighten fear.
Anonymity: Notes that the message and bitcoin wallet can’t be traced back to the sender.
Secrecy: Warns recipient not to share the email with anyone or consequences will unfold immediately.
This formula combines personalized details, threats, urgency, intimidation, secrecy and unpredictability to scare recipients into complying with the demands rather than risking the threatened actions.
Email Styles and Approaches
While the scam’s basic blueprint is consistent, specific messaging details vary. Some common email styles include:
Spying: Claims to have used the recipient’s webcam to record inappropriate footage of them.
Cheating: Alleges to have evidence of the recipient cheating and threatens to send it to their spouse or partner.
Vulnerabilities: Mentions passwords or credit card numbers to claim identity theft.
Guilt: References search history or sites visited to imply embarrassing habits.
Regardless of the hook used, the emails leverage fear, uncertainty, doubt, and implied repercussions to compel ransom payment.
Bitcoin Extortion Amounts
The ransom demands typically range from $200 to $1000 worth of bitcoin, likely calibrated to extort funds without the amount seeming implausible. The lower figures aim to appear potentially believable for an embarrassed recipient wanting to resolve the supposed threats discreetly.
Spoofed Identities
While some scam emails come from nonsensical email addresses, others spoof legitimate identities. The senders may pose as the recipient’s email provider, local police department, or government tax authority.
This lends a veneer of credibility to scare victims into taking the threats seriously rather than dismissing them as fake.
Here are a few variants of the “I Have Been Watching You” extortion scam:
Hello!
For some time now, I have been watching you I know that you cheat on your partner. Its not my business, but i could make you loose everything if you fail to follow my instructions
All you have to do to prevent this from happening is – transfer bitcoins worth $280 (USD) to my Bitcoin address (if you have no idea how to do this, you can open your browser and simply search: “Buy Bitcoin”).
My bitcoin address (BTC Wallet) is: 1B2pH6Q3oakYf6MJvxDasVw5yjNbD4S3yD
After receiving a confirmation of your payment, I will delete the video right away, and that’s it, you will never hear from me again. You have 2 days (48 hours) to complete this transaction. Once you open this e-mail, I will receive a notification, and my timer will start ticking.
Any attempt to file a complaint will not result in anything, since this e-mail cannot be traced back, same as my bitcoin id. I have been working on this for a very long time by now; I do not give any chance for a mistake.
If, by any chance I find out that you have shared this message with anybody else, I will broadcast your video as mentioned above.
Hey!
Have you recently noticed that I have e-mailed you from your account, meaning I have total access to your device.
For the last couple of months, I have been watching you and have complete access to your device. You may not be familiar with this, with help of the Ransomeware and Trojan Virus infected in your device originating from a website that you had visited. This simply means I have access to your camera, microphone, keylogs, passwords, remote control, admin privilege, and all your files without you even noticing it. This malwares undergoes a signature update every 30seconds, so your antivirus can not detect it.
I saw videos of your extramarital sexploitations, evidences on your misconducts and mischievous deals you do in your company.
With just a single click, this informations can be sent to all your social networks, phone and e-mail contacts. I can also share access to any of your contacts who responds for further information on you.
All you have to do to prevent this from happening is to transfer $2500 (USD) worth of cryptocurrency to any wallet address below(if you have no idea how to do this, you can open your browser and simply search: “Buy Cryptocurrency”) and use your head to do the rest.
My wallet payment addresses:
You have 24 hours to complete this transaction starting from 8/6/2024 4:58:55 a.m. which is the time you received this message. Once you open this e-mail, I will receive a notification, and my timer will start ticking. Any attempt to file a complaint will not result in anything, since my cryptocurrency wallet and this message cannot be traced. After receiving a confirmation of your payment, I will delete the videos right away, and that’s it, you will never hear from me again.
If, by any chance you have share this message with anybody else, I will broadcast everything as earlier mentioned above. Be Warned not to go against the instructions as advised!
How the “I Have Been Watching You” Scam Works
The “I Have Been Watching You” extortion scam exploits human emotions like fear, shame, embarrassment and panic to deceive recipients. Understanding the psychological triggers built into the scam emails can help arm you against being manipulated.
1. Recipients Receive Personalized Email
The journey starts when an unsuspecting recipient opens their inbox to find an email addressing them by name and making intrusive claims about having access to embarrassing or damaging material about them.
2. Shock and Fear Response
The alarming subject line and eerie specificity immediately triggers a visceral shock and fear response. The personalized content makes the supposed threat seem credible.
3. Action Demanded Under Threat
The email demands a ransom payment of bitcoin within a short time frame or the sender threatens to expose the recipient by sending the content to contacts. The stakes feel high.
4. False Urgency Instilled
The tight deadline pressures the recipient to act fast, limiting time to think clearly. This false urgency is calculated to capitalize on impulsive fear-based reactions.
5. Intimidation Triggers Compliance
The sender intimates unpredictability, danger and irreversible consequences if demands aren’t met, scaring the recipient into complying rather than risking exposure.
6. Difficulty Verifying Threats
The difficulty of proving whether the sender’s claims are real compounds the scare tactics. The possibility can’t be ruled out entirely.
7. Ransom Paid
Victims pay the ransom to purportedly stop the threats, hoping compliance ends the nightmare. The bitcoin payments are irreversible.
8. Scammers Disappear
After receiving the bitcoin, the scammers disappear without releasing any content. Their threats were pure fabrication to extort money. The victim is left violated, embarrassed and financially defrauded.
This sequence demonstrates how the scam capitalizes on human psychology. Shock, uncertainty, urgency and fear of consequences bypass critical thinking, leading victims to feed the very scams they should avoid.
What to Do If You’ve Fallen Victim to This Scam
Despite its chilling psychological tactics, the “I Have Been Watching You” scam relies entirely on empty threats and deception. However, if you’ve unfortunately already fallen victim, here are tips on what to do next:
Don’t Panic
Take a deep breath and collect yourself. The threats were a calculated bluff to scare you. Don’t let the scammers win by allowing embarrassment or shame to take over. You are the victim here.
Don’t Pay Any Further
If you paid once, don’t pay again. It will only lead to more demands and zero closure. Cease all communication.
Secure Accounts
Change passwords and enable two-factor authentication on all accounts. Check for any signs of identity theft.
Watch for Suspicious Activity
Monitor financial accounts closely for fraudulent charges. Place a fraud alert on your credit.
Report the Incident
Notify your local police department and the FBI via the IC3 complaint site. This helps authorities track scams.
Seek Emotional Support
Talk to trusted friends or professionals. Don’t blame yourself. Scammers are experts in emotional manipulation. You did nothing wrong.
The most important step is breaking off all communication with the scammers. Don’t let them continue preying on you. Remember, you have nothing to be ashamed about—you are the target of criminal deception.
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 “I Have Been Watching You” Extortion Scam
1. What is the “I Have Been Watching You” email scam?
The “I Have Been Watching You” scam is a type of extortion fraud that involves receiving an email claiming to have compromising or embarrassing information about you. The email threatens to send the supposed videos, pictures, or information to your contacts unless you pay a ransom in bitcoin within 24-48 hours. The emails are intended to scare recipients into paying up by leveraging fear, uncertainty, and intimidation.
2. What are some typical subject lines used in these scam emails?
Common alarming subject lines include:
You Must Read This!
Your Reputation is on the Line
Better Listen to What I Have to Say
Hidden Camera Footage
You are My Victim
I Know What You Did
These dramatic subject lines are meant to startle recipients and get them to urgently open the email.
3. What kind of information do the scam emails threaten to expose?
The emails may threaten to reveal allegedly compromising videos recorded through your webcam, evidence of cheating, personal account passwords or credit card details, search history or website visits, or other embarrassing or damaging information. The content is fabricated but personalized to spur maximum fear.
4. How much money do the scammers demand for ransom?
Typical ransom demands range from $200 to $1000 worth of bitcoin. The amounts are high enough to turn a profit, but not so high that the victim finds them implausible.
5. How do the scammers pressure victims into paying?
Scare tactics used include:
Short payment deadlines (24-48 hours) to incite urgency
Threats of sending content to your contacts if you don’t comply
Fake details about having access to your accounts or device
Emphasizing irreversible consequences like ruining your reputation
These tactics bypass critical thinking and aim for knee-jerk reactions driven by fear.
6. Are the emails really from the person or entity they claim to be?
No, the return addresses are typically spoofed. The scammers may pose as your email provider, local police, or government agency to appear more credible. But it’s just a ruse.
7. What should you do if you receive one of these extortion emails?
Do not reply or pay the ransom. Report the email as phishing to your email provider. Contact your local authorities to report the fraud. And never communicate further with the scammers. The threats aren’t real – it’s a complete scam.
8. What if you already paid the ransom?
Don’t pay again or communicate further. Secure your accounts by changing passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication. Monitor your financial accounts closely for any fraudulent activity. And report the incident to local police and the FBI via IC3.
9. How can you protect yourself from this scam?
Be wary of any emails demanding payment and making threats. Look for spoofing and grammatical errors. Never act solely on emotion – slow down and think critically. And educate yourself on the hallmarks of extortion scams to avoid being victimized.
10. Why might someone fall for this scam?
The emails spark feelings of fear, uncertainty, embarrassment and urgency, bypassing logical thinking. The personalized content makes the threats seem credible. Scammers exploit human psychology, but with awareness, you can identify the deception tactics.
The Bottom Line
The “I Have Been Watching You” extortion scam is a predatory threat that weaponizes fear to intimidate recipients into paying ransoms, often with irreversible bitcoin.
Despite personalized details creating an illusion of credibility, the disturbing emails are complete hoaxes designed to monetize human uncertainty. No content exists, so cease paying or communicating with scammers if ensnared.
Safeguard yourself by recognizing the hallmarks of this scam and responding calmly with logic, not emotion. Report the fraud, monitor accounts, and don’t blame yourself. Public awareness is the best remedy against this insidious deception.
By understanding the psychological traps and resisting knee-jerk reactions, you can protect yourself and others from this scam’s financial and emotional harms. Knowledge and vigilance are your strongest defenses.
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.
