The “I’m Afraid I Have News That May Be A Bit Distressing” Email Scam Explained
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
An ominous email appearing in your inbox claiming to have compromising information about you is alarming for anyone. The “I’m Afraid I Have News That May Be A Bit Distressing” email scam preys on fear to extort money from victims. This fraudulent email includes threats to expose private information and fabricated evidence to convince recipients to pay a bitcoin ransom.
In this article, we will break down how this email scam works, what to watch out for, and steps to take if you receive this message. Let’s get started!
This Article Contains:
Overview of the Email Scam
The “I’m Afraid I Have News That May Be A Bit Distressing” email scam is a form of sextortion scam that cybercriminals use to extort money from victims. The scam email claims the sender has compromised the recipient’s device and obtained personal information, photos, videos, and browsing history.
The email then threatens to create an embarrassing video using AI technology showing the victim in a compromising position on one side of a split screen, and their online activity on the other side. The scammer demands payment of $1250 in bitcoin to avoid having this fake video shared with the victim’s contacts.
This is a complete fabrication by the scammers intended to scare recipients into paying the ransom. The email uses intimidation tactics and false claims about having access to devices to trick victims. While the email itself contains distressing threats, it is all a bluff by scammers looking to profit.
The scam email is carefully crafted to seem convincing. It includes specific dates, bitcoin wallet addresses, and the victim’s email or name to appear legitimate. The message urges victims to pay quickly, usually within 48 hours, to create a sense of urgency.
Some versions of the scam email also try to upsell the victim on buying additional antivirus software, likely earning the scammers affiliate marketing commissions.
This scam takes advantage of people’s fear of being embarrassed or extorted online. However, the reality is these scammers do not have any compromising videos, access to devices, or personal information on the recipients. Their threats are empty, but convincing enough to dupe victims into paying.
Here is how a variant of the “I’m Afraid I Have News That May Be A Bit Distressing” email scam looks:
Hey. I’m afraid I have news that may be a bit distressing. [date] – On this significant day, I have managed to penetrate the defenses of your device’s operating system, securing total command over your account. My eyes have been privy to your virtual comings and goings for a considerable duration. Your system has been compromised by a virus, giving me control over your devices’ display and camera. I have now archived all your information, including chat histories and social network data. I found myself musing over the potential uses of this data.I’ve recently come up with a groundbreaking idea: making use of Al for crafting a split-screen video. On one side, you’re seen performing ****, and on the other, you’re navigating through a website. Such videos are the talk of the town!I mean, what we ended up with, it’s just… wow. Truth be told, I couldn’t have predicted this outcome. With just a single click, this video could be shared with all your friends through email, social networks, and messaging apps. Plus, I could expose your private email and messaging app usage. If you would prefer that I not do it, transfer 1250 $ (dollar US in my bitcoin wallet. My BTC address: bc1qdz7jcukvgc8vgkas70dt2qhkx83sejhuuvsuwp If you’re wondering how to fund a Bitcoin wallet, Google can provide you with step-by-step funding instructions. Once the funds arrive, I will promptly address the removal of undesirable material. Subsequently, we can disengage from one another. I also pledge to deactivate and remove any malware from your devices. Trust in my word, for I consistently fulfill my commitments. This is a reasonable deal, especially considering the time and energy I’ve invested in monitoring your profile and traffic. You have a total of 48 hours from the time you open this letter to complete your payment! After this specified period, should I not receive the stipulated payment from you, I will make all your accounts, visited websites, personal information, and edited videos available to the public without prior notification. Keep it in mind that I am meticulous and don’t make errors. It’s unwise to jest with me because I have an abundance of options at my disposal. There’s no use in filing complaints, as they won’t be able to track me down. Even formatting the drive or destroying the device won’t make a difference because I already possess your data. Writing back to me is a pointless endeavor, as I don’t communicate through personal email, and I won’t be monitoring responses May luck be on your side, and don’t allow this to agitate you! We all have our own roles, and today, you just happened to be in a less favorable position. p.s.Going forward, it’s a good idea to follow internet safety guidelines and refrain from visiting suspicious websites. For optimal security, you can install VIPRE or a similar antivirus. lioma
Next, let’s break down how this scam works.
How the Scam Email Works
The “I’m Afraid I Have News” scam is designed to capitalize on victims’ anxieties around privacy violations and vulnerability online. Here is how the scammers carry out this extortion scam:
1. Scammers Send Mass Emails Impersonally Addressing Recipients
The scammers will send the email out to thousands of potential victims at once. The email is made to seem personalized by including the recipient’s name and email address. However, the message itself is generic enough to be mass-distributed.
2. Email Claims Recipient’s Device Was Hacked
The email will say the recipient’s device and accounts have been compromised by a virus or hacking attack. This sets up the pretense that the scammers have access when they actually do not.
3. Threatens to Create Embarrassing Video Using AI
A unique aspect of this scam is the threat to use AI and deepfake technology to fabricate an embarrassing video of the victim. This video would supposedly show the victim in a compromising position along with their online activity.
This fake AI video does not actually exist, but the threat creates fear. The average person is not familiar with the limitations of AI, so this seems plausible.
4. Demands Payment in Bitcoin to Avoid Releasing Video
The scammers give a bitcoin wallet address and demand a payment of around $1,250 within 48 hours to avoid releasing the fake video. Bitcoin is used to try to remain anonymous.
5. Urges Victims Not to Try to Contact Them
The email tells recipients not to bother replying as they will not respond. This is to avoid scrutiny of their scam tactics.
6. Follows With Variations if Victim Doesn’t Pay
If the victim does not pay promptly, the scammers may send follow up emails with lower ransom demands, additional threats, or fake testimonials. This maintains pressure as the deadlines pass.
7. Moves On if No Payment, Retains Email for Future Scams
Eventually the scammers will move on if no payment is made. The victim’s email goes on a list to be targeted with other scams in the future.
What to Do If You Get the “I’m Afraid I Have News” Email Scam
If this disturbing email appears in your inbox, don’t panic. Remember that the contents are fabricated to trick you. Here are the steps to take:
Do Not Reply to the Email
Replying will just confirm your email is active. The scammers are not actually monitoring the account used to send the message.
Do Not Pay the Ransom
Wiring money or bitcoin to the scammers will only enable and encourage them. Even if you pay, they will likely continue to target you for more money.
Change Passwords on Your Accounts
Update your passwords for email, banking, and other important accounts in case they were compromised. Use strong, unique passwords for each account. Enable two-factor authentication where possible.
Run Anti-Malware Scans
Run complete scans using updated antivirus and anti-malware software to check for viruses, keyloggers, or other infections. This will ensure your systems are secure.
Alert Contacts of Potential Scam
Let your friends, family, colleagues and contacts know to disregard any suspicious videos or messages about you as they may be targeted as well.
Report the Scam Email
Forward the email to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (reportphishing@apwg.org) and the FTC (spam@uce.gov) to aid in shutting down these scams. You can also report it to your email provider.
Monitor Accounts Closely
Keep a close eye on your financial accounts and login details for any unauthorized access attempts. Take precautions like instituting account withdrawal delays where applicable.
Seek Help if Blackmailed
If the scammers follow through on blackmail attempts, immediately contact law enforcement and an attorney. Do not comply with ransom demands.
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’m Afraid I Have News” Email Scam
1. What is the “I’m Afraid I Have News” email scam?
The “I’m Afraid I Have News” email scam is a type of sextortion scam where recipients are sent an email claiming the sender has compromising videos and information about them. The email threatens to release embarrassing videos and screenshots unless the victim pays a ransom in bitcoin. The emails are sent out en masse in an attempt to extort money through intimidation and false claims.
2. How does the “I’m Afraid I Have News” scam email work?
These scammers send generic emails to thousands of recipients at once, using their names and emails to seem personalized. The email claims to have accessed the victim’s device and data through a virus. It threatens to use AI to create a fake explicit video of the victim alongside their browsing history, demanding bitcoin to avoid releasing it. The scammers make up fake deadlines, bitcoin wallet addresses, and threats to create urgency. Their goal is to trick recipients into paying out of fear and embarrassment.
3. What information do the scammers claim to have about me?
The email will claim the scammers have access to your devices, accounts, photos, videos, browsing history, and other personal data. They will threaten to release altered photos and screenshots along with the AI-generated video. These claims are falsified – the scammers do not actually have any compromising media or information about you. Their threats to release materials are completely fabricated.
4. How did the scammers get my email address?
These scammers likely obtained your email through a data breach or by purchasing lists of addresses online. They use botnets to spread the scam out to thousands of potential victims at once. Your specific email was likely picked off a mailing list rather than targeted individually.
5. Why do they demand payment in bitcoin?
Scammers request payment through bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies because transactions are difficult to trace. Bitcoin allows them to receive money while maintaining anonymity, which is key to avoiding detection and prosecution.
6. What happens if I pay the bitcoin ransom?
There is no guarantee the scammers will actually delete the data if you pay. More likely, they will retain your email and try to extort increasing amounts of money. Paying the ransom also enables these criminals to keep up their operation. With no intention of following through on their threats, it’s best not to pay anything.
7. Could the scammers really have compromising videos of me?
It is highly unlikely the scammers actually possess any videos, photos, or screenshots of you, inappropriate or otherwise. The content they threaten to share is fabricated. Their claims to have access to your device’s camera or detect your online activity are false. The AI video is also a complete bluff.
8. What should I do if I receive this “I’m Afraid I Have News” email?
Do not engage with or reply to the scammer. Update your email, banking, and other account passwords immediately. Run anti-virus scans to check for malware. Report the scam email to authorities. Let your contacts know to disregard any suspicious messages about you. Monitor your accounts closely for fraudulent activity. Seek legal assistance if the scammers attempt to follow through on blackmail.
9. How can I protect myself from this scam?
Be cautious of any unsolicited emails demanding money or threatening reputation harm. Use unique passwords and two-factor authentication on accounts. Keep software updated and run regular anti-virus scans. Avoid clicking links or attachments in suspicious messages. Never provide personal information or pay demands to unknown parties. Report scam emails to help authorities disrupt these operations.
10. Are these “I’m Afraid I Have News” emails a real threat?
While the email content itself is distressing, it is ultimately an empty threat meant to scare you into paying. The scammers are lying about having any real compromising information or the ability to hack your device. Do not let fear or embarrassment allow yourself to be manipulated by these predatory scammers.
The Bottom Line
The “I’m Afraid I Have News That May Be A Bit Distressing” sextortion email scam plays off people’s fears of privacy violations and embarrassment. While the threats seem real, it is just a fabrication aimed at extorting bitcoin payments. Use caution when opening unsolicited emails, do not provide personal information, and avoid wiring any funds. With vigilance, Internet users can protect themselves and help shut down these criminal operations.
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.
