“Let Me Tell You, You Are One Of A Kind” Email Scam Explained
Written by: Stelian Pilici
Published on:
Picture this: you’re going about your day when suddenly, an email catches your eye. “Let me tell you, you are one of a kind!” it reads. Intrigued, you click on it, only to discover that the sender claims to have hacked into your computer, recorded your most intimate moments, and is now threatening to expose you unless you pay a hefty ransom. Your heart races, your palms sweat, and panic sets in. This is the reality for countless victims of the “Let Me Tell You, You Are One Of A Kind” email scam, a sinister scheme designed to prey on people’s deepest fears and insecurities.
In this comprehensive article, we will go into the details of this scam, explore how it works, and provide valuable insights on what to do if you find yourself targeted.
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Scam Overview
The “Let Me Tell You, You Are One Of A Kind” email scam is a type of extortion attempt that has been making the rounds in recent months. The scammer sends an email to the victim, claiming to have hacked into their computer and gained access to their webcam, microphone, and private data. The email often begins with a seemingly complimentary statement, such as “Let me tell you, you are one of a kind!” or “It is hard to impress me, but now I am really impressed.” This tactic is designed to catch the victim’s attention and make them more likely to continue reading the email.
The scammer then proceeds to claim that they have been monitoring the victim’s online activities for several months, particularly focusing on their visits to adult websites. They allege to have recorded the victim’s screen, webcam, and microphone during these visits, creating a compromising video that shows the victim engaging in intimate acts while viewing explicit content.
To add credibility to their claims, the scammer may mention that they have gained access to the victim’s emails, chat messages, and other confidential information. They often attribute their success to the supposed ineffectiveness of antivirus and spyware defense software, claiming that these programs are no longer capable of protecting users from advanced hacking techniques.
The scammer then presents the victim with an ultimatum: pay a ransom in Bitcoin within 48 hours, or the compromising video will be sent to all of the victim’s email and messenger contacts, and their private information will be made public. The ransom amount varies but is typically in the range of a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Here is how “Let Me Tell You, You Are One Of A Kind” email scam looks:
Greetings!
First of all, let me tell you, you are one of a kind! It is hard to impress me because I have seen a lot in my career as a professional hacker but now I am really impressed.
I will get straight to the point. Listen to me carefully.
Several months ago, I was able to hack your operating system and gain full access to all your devices and accounts including messengers, social media profiles, etc.
I hope, now you begin to get my message. It goes without saying that I gained access to what you type via keylogger, your internet activity and webcam streaming. All of this was possible due to your frequent visits to adult websites infected with harmful malware. In other words, you were under my microscope for many days like some kind of a little bug. The only difference is that unlike you there is no bug in the world who like to watch pervert porn.
Yes, you understand it right: I was able to see everything on your screen and record video and audio streams of your camera and microphone. All of these records are currently securely saved on my storage as well as a backup copy.
In addition, I also gained access to your confidential information contained in your emails and chat messages.
Probably you are wondering why your antivirus and spyware defender software allowed me to do all of this? I am sorry but it’s a very stupid question. All antivirus programs turned into useless shit quite a long time ago. Have you ever heard last years about any “advanced” new technologies in this industry? Exactly. Nowadays, developers do not give a flying fuck about your security. Therefore, hackers like me took advantage of it.
The more you know my friend, no need to thank me. Maybe with this fresh knowledge, you will be more serious about your internet security and never take it for granted anymore.
With that out of the way, let’s cut to the chase. Using your recordings I made a video compilation, which shows on the left side the controversial porn scenes of you happily masturbating to, while on the right side it demonstrates the video you were watching at that moment.. ^.^
There are only 48 hours left since the moment you receive this email until I send this video to all your email and messenger contacts. But there is more, guess what? I can also make public all your emails and chat history.
You are sick fuck in love with freaky adult content but you are not mentally retarted so I would like to believe, you do not want to let this happen. Right? Only the most stupid man in the world would be happy if his friends, loved ones and colleagues suddenly knew about something like this.
In other words, there is no way back. It cannot be fixed. However, there is a way forward that both of us can benefit from. I am a reasonable guy and have no intention to ruin your life for nothing. I’d better like to gain something instead.
Here is your salvation – transfer the Bitcoin equivalent of 1280 USD to my Bitcoin account (you can google the process in case you don’t know how to do that).
Here is my Bitcoin address: 16UqxYLX49MkFkgqsj1NcKiNVQMRCL8pnp
Once I am notified of receiving it, I will delete all those videos and disappear from your life for good. As I mentioned, you have only 48 hours to make a transaction after you open this email.
Believe me, I am always one step ahead so no way in hell you could fool me. If I discover that you shared this message with others, I will send and publish your videos in no time.
P.S. It’s in your power to make it nice for both of us.
How The Scam Works
The “Let Me Tell You, You Are One Of A Kind” email scam relies on several psychological tactics to convince the victim to pay the ransom. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how the scam typically unfolds:
Step 1: Crafting the Email
The scammer begins by composing an email that is designed to grab the victim’s attention and instill a sense of fear. They often use a subject line that is both complimentary and threatening, such as “You are one of a kind!” or “I have something that will ruin your life.” The body of the email is carefully crafted to include a mix of flattery, technical jargon, and dire warnings about the consequences of not complying with the scammer’s demands.
Step 2: Sending the Email
The scammer sends the email to a large number of potential victims, often using a list of email addresses that they have obtained through various means, such as data breaches or phishing scams. They may use a spoofed email address or a disposable account to avoid being traced.
Step 3: Exploiting Fear and Shame
Upon receiving the email, the victim is likely to experience a range of emotions, including fear, shame, and panic. The scammer’s claims about having access to the victim’s private information and intimate moments can be deeply distressing, especially if the victim has indeed visited adult websites in the past.
Step 4: Establishing Credibility
To make their claims seem more believable, the scammer may include specific details about the victim’s online activities, such as the names of adult websites they have visited or the dates and times of their visits. They may also mention the supposed ineffectiveness of antivirus software to explain how they were able to gain access to the victim’s device.
Step 5: Demanding Payment
The scammer then presents the victim with an ultimatum: pay a ransom in Bitcoin within a short timeframe (usually 48 hours), or face the consequences of having their private information and compromising video shared with their contacts and made public. The scammer often provides a Bitcoin address for the victim to send the payment to.
Step 6: Exploiting the Time Pressure
The short deadline for payment is designed to pressure the victim into acting quickly, without taking the time to think rationally or seek help. The scammer may claim that they are monitoring the victim’s actions and will know if they attempt to seek assistance or report the scam to authorities.
Step 7: Disappearing with the Money
If the victim does pay the ransom, the scammer simply disappears with the money. They do not actually possess any compromising information or videos, and they have no intention of following through on their threats. The victim is left feeling violated, ashamed, and financially harmed.
What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim to This Scam
If you have received an email that fits the description of the “Let Me Tell You, You Are One Of A Kind” scam, or if you have already fallen victim to this scam and paid the ransom, here are some steps you can take:
Do not panic. Remember that the scammer is unlikely to actually possess any compromising information or videos. Their threats are empty, and their goal is simply to extort money from you.
Do not reply to the email or engage with the scammer in any way. This will only encourage them to continue their attempts at extortion.
Report the email to your email provider as spam or phishing. This will help them to identify and block similar emails in the future.
If you have paid the ransom, contact your bank or credit card company immediately. Explain the situation and ask them to reverse the transaction if possible. You should also report the scam to your local law enforcement agency and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Change your passwords for all of your online accounts, especially those that may have been mentioned in the scammer’s email. Use strong, unique passwords for each account, and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
Run a full scan of your computer with an up-to-date antivirus program to check for any malware or spyware that may have been installed on your device.
If you are feeling distressed or anxious as a result of the scam, consider reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional for support.
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 “Let Me Tell You, You Are One Of A Kind” Email Scam
Q1: What is the “Let Me Tell You, You Are One Of A Kind” email scam?
A: The “Let Me Tell You, You Are One Of A Kind” email scam is a type of extortion attempt where a scammer sends an email claiming to have hacked into the recipient’s computer, gained access to their webcam, microphone, and private data, and recorded compromising videos of the recipient engaging in intimate acts while visiting adult websites. The scammer threatens to share this alleged video with the recipient’s contacts unless a ransom is paid in Bitcoin within a short timeframe, usually 48 hours.
Q2: How do I know if I have received a “Let Me Tell You, You Are One Of A Kind” scam email?
A: The scam email typically begins with a complimentary statement, such as “Let me tell you, you are one of a kind!” or “It is hard to impress me, but now I am really impressed.” The email then claims that the scammer has been monitoring your online activities, particularly your visits to adult websites, and has recorded your screen, webcam, and microphone during these visits. The scammer may also claim to have access to your emails, chat messages, and other confidential information.
Q3: Is the scammer’s claim of having compromising information and videos true?
A: No, the scammer’s claims are false. They do not actually possess any compromising information or videos. Their goal is simply to exploit your fears and insecurities to pressure you into paying a ransom.
Q4: What should I do if I receive a “Let Me Tell You, You Are One Of A Kind” scam email?
A: If you receive this scam email, do not panic or engage with the scammer in any way. Do not reply to the email or pay the ransom. Instead, report the email to your email provider as spam or phishing, and delete it from your inbox. If you are feeling distressed, consider reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional for support.
Q5: What should I do if I have already paid the ransom?
A: If you have already paid the ransom, contact your bank or credit card company immediately and explain the situation. Ask them to reverse the transaction if possible. You should also report the scam to your local law enforcement agency and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Q6: How can I protect myself from falling victim to this scam in the future?
A: To protect yourself from this and similar scams, maintain good online hygiene practices, such as using strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts and enabling two-factor authentication whenever possible. Keep your antivirus software up to date and run regular scans of your devices. Be cautious when opening emails from unknown senders, and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from these emails.
Q7: Can the scammer actually access my computer, webcam, or microphone?
A: It is highly unlikely that the scammer has actually gained access to your computer, webcam, or microphone. These claims are usually empty threats designed to scare you into paying the ransom. However, if you are concerned about your device’s security, run a full scan with an up-to-date antivirus program to check for any malware or spyware.
Q8: What should I do if I am feeling anxious or distressed about the scam?
A: Falling victim to a scam can be a distressing experience. If you are feeling anxious or upset, it is important to remember that you are not alone and that there is support available. Consider reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional to discuss your concerns and get the help you need. Remember, the scammer’s threats are empty, and you have done nothing wrong.
The Bottom Line
The “Let Me Tell You, You Are One Of A Kind” email scam is a disturbing reminder of the lengths that cybercriminals will go to in order to exploit and extort innocent victims. By preying on people’s fears and insecurities, these scammers seek to pressure their targets into paying a ransom to avoid the alleged consequences of having their private information and intimate moments exposed.
However, it is crucial to remember that these threats are empty, and the scammers do not actually possess any compromising information or videos. By staying calm, refusing to engage with the scammer, and taking proactive steps to protect your online accounts and devices, you can safeguard yourself against this and similar scams.
As technology continues to advance, it is likely that we will see more sophisticated and convincing variations of this scam in the future. Therefore, it is more important than ever to stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats, maintain good online hygiene practices, and approach any unsolicited emails or messages with a healthy dose of skepticism.
By working together to raise awareness about scams like the “Let Me Tell You, You Are One Of A Kind” email and supporting those who have fallen victim to these crimes, we can create a safer and more secure online environment for everyone.
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 Stelian Pilici
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
