I RECORDED YOU Email Scam – An In-Depth Investigation
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
The internet has enabled scammers and criminals to reach more potential victims than ever before. Email continues to be one of the most commonly used mediums for cybercrime. A scam email may seem harmless at first glance, but can cause tremendous financial and emotional damage if fallen victim to.
One prolific email scam making the rounds is the “I RECORDED YOU” extortion scam. This scam attempts to extort money from recipients by claiming their device was hacked, and they were recorded doing explicit activities through their webcam. This article will provide an in-depth look at how this scam works, who is behind it, and most importantly, what you should do if you receive this email.
This article contains:
I RECORDED YOU Email Scam Overview
The “I RECORDED YOU” email scam is a form of sextortion scam that has been circulating since at least 2017. The scam email contains threatening claims that the recipient’s device was infected with malware, allowing the hacker complete access to their computer.
The email then claims that the hacker used this access to take control of the recipient’s webcam and record videos of them masturbating or watching pornography. The sender threatens to release the embarrassing videos to the recipient’s contacts if a ransom is not paid promptly, usually demanding $800-$1000 in Bitcoin.
Some versions of the email also contain some variation of the recipient’s password in the body which adds to the appearance of legitimacy. In reality, these passwords are typically sourced from major data breaches that occurred years prior. The scammers are simply taking advantage of the fact most people reuse the same passwords across accounts.
This scam preys on the victim’s fear of being publicly embarrassed by the release of intimate videos. Even though the threats are completely fake, the email can cause immense stress for the unsuspecting recipient.
In most cases, the email is sent en masse to thousands of recipients at a time. The scam relies on mass numbers to land a small percentage of victims who give in to the payment demands out of fear.
Here is how the I RECORDED YOU email scam looks:
I RECORDED YOU!
Hi, today there are sadly some bad news for you.
Your device was infected with my private malware, your browser wasn’t updated/patched, in such case it’s enough to just visit some website where my iframe is placed to get automatically infected, if you want to find out more, Google: Drive-by eploit.
My malware gave me full access to all your accounts, full control over your device and it also was possible to spy on you over your cam.
If you think this is some bad joke, no, I know your password: (Password from leaked database)
I collected all your private data and I RECORDED YOU (through your cam) SATISFYING YOURSELF!
After that I removed my malware to not leave any traces and this email was sent from some hacked server.
I can publish the video of you and all your private data on the whole web, social networks, over email and send everything to all your contacts.
The only way to stop me, is to pay exactly $950 in Bitcoin (BTC).
It’s a very good offer, comnpared to all that horrible sh*t that will happen if I publish everything.
You can easily buy Bitcoin (BTC) here: www.paxful.com, www.coingate.com, www.coinbase.com, or check for Bitcoin (BTC) ATM near you, or Google for other exchanger.
You can send the Bitcoin (BTC) directly to my wallet, or install the free software: Atomicwalet, or: Exodus wallet, then recieve and send to mine.
My Bitcoin (BTC) wallet is: (Scammer’s Wallet)
Yes, that’s how the wallet/address looks like, copy and paste it, it’s (cAsE sEnSEtiVE).
I give you 2 days time to pay.
After receiving the payment, I will remove everything and you can life your live in peace like before, don’t worry, I keep my promise.
Next time make sure that your device got the newest security updates.
How the I RECORDED YOU Scam Works
The “I RECORDED YOU” scam can be broken down into a few stages that show how cybercriminals leverage technologically dubious claims and fear to extract money from victims.
Crafting the Emails
The scammers typically start by acquiring large lists of email addresses and passwords that were leaked in major data breaches. Hundreds of millions of user credentials can be purchased on the dark web or hacker forums.
They then craft an email template that contains:
Claims that the recipient’s device was infiltrated with malware
Statements that this malware allowed access to the webcam
Threats to send embarrassing video footage to the recipient’s contacts
Demands for payment in Bitcoin to avoid release of the videos
An old password belonging to the recipient to add legitimacy
The emails are written to prey on feelings of fear, embarrassment and urgency to pay the ransom.
Sending from Spoofed Email Addresses
The scam emails are sent from email addresses that are spoofed to look legitimate or anonymous.
Some examples include:
support@[major company].com
no-reply@[major company].com
[recipient’s name]@[made up domain].com
Email spoofing tricks some recipients into thinking the email is from a real company or person. The “from” name will also frequently match the recipient’s first and last name to add further authenticity.
In other cases, the scammers will send from encrypted email services to appear anonymous. However, the sender address is always fake.
Reaching Mass Recipients
Rather than targeting specific individuals, the goal is to reach as many recipients as possible.
The scammers will send the scam email to thousands or even millions of addresses at once. Most recipients will recognize the email is fake and ignore it.
But a small fraction of recipients will be scared enough to pay the ransom. Out of 1 million recipients, even a 1% response rate nets 10,000 victims.
Demanding Payment in Bitcoin
The ransom payment is nearly always demanded in Bitcoin rather than normal currency.
Bitcoin allows the scammers to receive payments anonymously. There are no ID checks or account information needed to send/receive Bitcoin.
The email includes instructions for purchasing Bitcoin through exchanges. Victims are given a Bitcoin wallet address to send the payment to.
Once the encrypted payment is sent, it is virtually untraceable. This protects the criminal from being tracked or identified.
Following Up with Additional Threats
If the initial scam email doesn’t convince the victim to pay, the scammers will often send follow up emails.
These emails become increasingly aggressive with threats to release footage. The ransom demands also increase, sometimes double or triple the original amount.
The purpose is to scare recipients who may have brushed off the first email but now fear the threats are legitimate based on the additional emails.
Never Sending Compromising Content
The scammers never actually possess compromising videos or have access to a victim’s accounts. The entire premise of the scam is fabricated.
Therefore, victims who submit payment will not receive anything in return besides empty threats demanding more money. The scammers profit entirely through fear rather than any tangible goods.
This scam persists solely because a small percentage of recipients do not realize the threats are a bluff. Enough victims give in to the demands to make the scam lucrative for cybercriminals.
Who is Behind The I RECORDED YOU Scam?
The I RECORDED YOU scam is known to originate from cybercriminal groups operating out of West Africa, Russia, and other parts of Eastern Europe.
Individual identities are rarely known since the scam is orchestrated through distributed networks of hackers who utilize encrypted communications. It is more an act of organized cybercrime than individual perpetrators.
Groups involved in sextortion scams like this typically:
Operate internationally, making arrests extremely difficult
Stay anonymous through use of encryption and Bitcoin payments
Never directly participate in scam activity, outsourcing to low level scammers
Share hacked email lists and templates freely to bolster effectiveness
Target English speaking countries like the United States, Canada, UK, and Australia
The ability to hide behind the anonymity of the internet and Bitcoin wallets makes this type of scam possible. Traditional cybercrime tracking methods are ineffective when hackers operate across borders and jurisdications.
Sextortion scams represent a major challenge for law enforcement and cybersecurity experts worldwide. Until greater international cooperation emerges, these scams will likely continue unabated.
What to Do if You Receive The I RECORDED YOU Scam Email
Knowing this is a widespread scam, here are important steps to take if the I RECORDED YOU email lands in your inbox.
Do Not Panic or Submit Payment
Succumbing to fear is exactly what the scammers want. The content of the email may be alarming, but it is absolutely critical to stay calm.
You now understand the sender does not have compromising footage of you or access to your device. The threats are a complete bluff.
Attempting to pay the ransom will likely result in additional demands and zero actual videos provided. You would be falling directly into the scam.
Report the Email
Forward the scam email to your email provider’s abuse team. Also submit the email as a phishing scam to platforms like Gmail or Outlook so they can help block further spread.
You should also report the incident to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) to assist enforcement efforts against this criminal activity.
Reset Passwords and Enable 2FA
There is a chance your email address and password were exposed in a previous breach. Take precaution by changing passwords, especially for your email, financial accounts and other sensitive logins.
Make sure to also enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. 2FA adds an extra layer of security to accounts by requiring you confirm logins on a separate device.
This prevents criminals from accessing accounts even if they have your password.
Run Antivirus Scans
It is unlikely any malware actually infected your device, but running a Malwarebytes Anti-Malware full system scan can identify and remove any threats missed by existing antivirus software.
Make sure your device operating system and all software is also updated to the latest versions. This eliminates vulnerabilities commonly exploited by malware.
Watch for Further Phishing Attempts
Someone targeting you with a sextortion scam indicates your email address may be on a list utilized by other scammers as well.
Be vigilant about identifying any other phishing emails and verify sender addresses before clicking links or opening attachments. Watch for telltale signs of phishing like threats, suspicious links, or requests for sensitive information.
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 RECORDED YOU Scam
This FAQ provides answers to common questions recipients may have after receiving the “I RECORDED YOU” sextortion scam email.
Am I really being extorted?
No, this is a widespread scam email. The sender does not actually have compromising videos or access to your device/accounts despite their claims. All threats in the email are completely fake.
How did they get my email and password?
Your email address and password likely originated from a major data breach that occurred in the past. Scammers purchase huge databases of credentials leaked in these breaches.
Can they actually see me through my webcam?
No, this scam email is sent en masse to thousands of recipients. The sender has no capability to access your webcam or spy on your activity.
What happens if I pay the ransom?
You will simply become the victim of a scam. The sender will not provide any actual videos or cease contact after payment. You will likely receive further threats demanding more money.
Should I click any of the links in the email?
No, all links in scam emails should be considered unsafe. They may link to malware download sites or other phishing scams. Never click links from suspicious or unknown senders.
How did they get my password? Should I be worried?
Old passwords exposed in data breaches are often used in phishing scams to appear more authentic. You should still reset any compromised passwords and enable two-factor authentication as a precaution.
What should I do if I paid the ransom?
First, accept that the funds are likely unrecoverable since Bitcoin payments are virtually untraceable. Try contacting your bank or Bitcoin exchange to halt any further transfers. File a report with the FBI and notify law enforcement officials if threats continue.
Why is Bitcoin the payment demanded?
Bitcoin allows scammers to receive money anonymously. Payments cannot be traced back to any personal identity. Traditional payment methods have greater fraud protection and tracking capabilities law enforcement can leverage to identify criminals.
Will the scammers really send videos to my contacts?
No, the scammers never actually possess any videos or compromising material on recipients. Their threats are a complete bluff intended to scare victims into paying. No content is ever distributed.
Can authorities track down who sent the email?
Unfortunately, the anonymous nature of email and Bitcoin payments makes the scammers nearly impossible to track. Law enforcement has difficulty pursuing cybercriminals across international borders and jurisdictions where laws differ.
Conclusion
The I RECORDED YOU email scam can undoubtedly cause immense stress and anxiety after reading the alarming contents. However, understanding the true intent of cybercriminals can help recipients react appropriately rather than giving in to demands.
This scam persists because enough victims are fooled into paying ransoms out of embarrassment or fear. But spreading awareness makes their tactics less effective over time.
With the right knowledge, this scam email can simply be discarded and reported rather than inflicting any real harm. Do not allow unfounded threats and deception to win.
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.
