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.
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? Run a Free Malware Scan
Slow performance, constant pop-ups, or strange behavior? These are classic signs of a malware infection. A quick way to check is to scan your device with Malwarebytes Free, one of the most trusted malware removal tools available. If you only visited a scam page and didn’t download or install anything, this scan is optional.
The free version detects and removes the most common threats, including:
- Adware — the cause of those annoying pop-ups
- Browser hijackers — unwanted redirects and changed homepages
- Trojans and spyware — hidden programs stealing your data
- Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) — software you never asked for
👉 Select your device below — Windows, Mac, or Android — then follow the simple steps to download Malwarebytes, scan your system, and remove any threats it finds. The scan usually takes 5 to 20 minutes.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan your PC and remove what Malwarebytes finds.
Download Malwarebytes
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for Windows 11 and 10. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium
Malwarebytes Free for WindowsScans and removes malware at no cost-
Install Malwarebytes
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:
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Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
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Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
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When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
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On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
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Optional: Check for rootkits with a Custom Scan
You don’t need to change any settings for a normal scan. The standard Threat Scan in the next step is enough for most problems, so you can go straight to it.
If you also want to check for rootkits, use a Custom Scan. In current versions of Malwarebytes, rootkit scanning is only available there:
- On the Scanner tile, click the three-dot menu and select Advanced Scan.
- Choose Custom Scan. In its options, check Scan for rootkits.
- Select your system drive (usually C:\) as the location to scan, then start the scan. It takes longer than a Threat Scan.
- When it finishes, review and quarantine the results as described in the steps below.
Rootkit scanning isn’t available on Windows devices with ARM processors.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take 5 to 20 minutes depending on your computer. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.
Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.
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Restart Your Computer
Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, Malwarebytes has finished removing the threats it found.
When the scan is done, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they continue, see the options below.
If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Run a computer scan with ESET Online Scanner
- Ask for help in our Windows Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Mac
Malwarebytes for Mac is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan your Mac and remove what Malwarebytes finds.
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Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for macOS. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes PremiumMalwarebytes Free for MacScans and removes malware at no cost -
Open the Malwarebytes setup file
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
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Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.
When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.
Malwarebytes needs Full Disk Access to check your whole Mac. When it asks, open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access, turn on Malwarebytes (it may be listed as Malwarebytes Protection), and confirm with your password or Touch ID. Then return to Malwarebytes. On macOS Monterey and earlier, this setting is in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.
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Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”
Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
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Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
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Restart Your Mac
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they come back, save the scan report and ask for help in our forum.
If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.
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.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android
Malwarebytes for Android scans your phone or tablet for malware, adware, and potentially unwanted apps. The free version scans only when you start a scan. Real-time protection, which checks apps automatically, is part of the paid Premium version.
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Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
Get Malwarebytes for AndroidOpens Google Play in a new tab.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium for AndroidMalwarebytes for AndroidScans your phone and removes malware at no cost -
Install Malwarebytes for Android on your phone.
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.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes opens, it walks you through a short setup. Tap Get started and follow the prompts. If you see an offer for a trial or a paid plan, read it before you accept. You can skip it and keep using the free scanner.
Malwarebytes will ask for permission to access the files on your phone so it can scan them. Tap Allow, or turn on the permission in the Android screen that opens, then return to Malwarebytes.
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Run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
On the main screen, tap Scan now. In some versions, you open the menu, tap Scanner, and then tap Run a scan.
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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.
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Remove the detected apps.
When the scan has been completed, you will see a list of the threats that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. Next to each detected item, tap the menu icon (three dots), then choose to uninstall the app or delete the file. Android then asks you to confirm. Tap OK or Uninstall to remove the app.
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Restart your phone.
When the detected apps are removed, restart your phone if Malwarebytes asks you to. Then check whether the problems you noticed have stopped.
If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.
If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Ask for help in our Mobile Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
- Only as a last resort, reset your phone to factory settings. Read the warning below first.
- Back up your photos, videos, files, and messages, for example to your Google account or a computer.
- Make sure you know your Google account email and password. The phone asks for them after the reset. If you changed the password recently, Google recommends waiting 24 hours before you reset.
- On a Samsung phone, also make sure you know your Samsung account password.
- If you use an authenticator app for two-step verification, move your accounts to another device or save your backup codes first.
Stay Protected: Block Ads and Malicious Sites
No scan can prove a device is completely clean, so it helps to block threats before they reach you. Most infections start with a malicious ad or a fake download button — so blocking them at the source is your best defense.
We recommend AdGuard, which blocks malicious ads, phishing pages, and dangerous redirects before they can reach you.
👉 Download AdGuard and browse safely
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.
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