Don’t Fear “My Prey, This is My Last Warning” Scam Emails
Written by: Stelian Pilici
Published on:
The “My Prey, This is My Last Warning” email scam is a deceptive phishing campaign cybercriminals are unleashing on unsuspecting victims. This fraudulent email claims to have compromising footage of you to extort money. Here’s what you need to know about spotting and stopping this scam.
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Overview of the Scam
The “My Prey, This is My Last Warning” phishing email starts off addressing the recipient as “my prey” and claims to have private videos and information about you. The message alleges that malware installed on your device gave the hackers access to your webcam and recorded inappropriate videos of you.
The email goes on to threaten sending the supposed embarrassing video footage and your personal data to all your contacts if you don’t pay a ransom fee of $500 or more in Bitcoin within 24 hours. It provides a Bitcoin wallet address to submit payment to.
Of course, the scammers never truly accessed your system or have any videos of you. The email is completely fake, sent en masse in hopes of scaring some victims into paying up. Here’s an example:
Hi, my prey. This is my last warning.
I write you since I attached a trojan on the web site with porno which you have viewed. My trojan captured all your private data and switched on your camera which recorded the act of your solitary sex. Just after that the trojan saved your contact list.
I will erase the compromising video records and info if you transfer 710 United States Dollars in bitcoin.
This is address for payment: 1DvEgCFc6MHsbajRvkctjUPAPtn51b6DcN
I give you 24 hours after you open my message for making the payment. As soon as you read the message I’ll see it right away. It is not necessary to tell me that you have sent money to me. This address is connected to you, my system will erased automatically after transfer confirmation.
*If you need 40h just Open the calculator and type +,+. *
If you don’t pay, I’ll send dirt to all your contacts. Let me remind you – I see what you’re doing. If you try to deceive me, I’ll know it immediately. I don’t live in your country. Bye. Don’t forget about the shame and to ignore, your life can be ruined.
This is what the “My Prey” phishing scam looks like. Here’s how the crooks carry out this deceitful extortion campaign.
How the “My Prey, This is My Last Warning” Scam Works
The cybercriminals behind this scam email rely on devious social engineering techniques to extort money from victims. Here is the step-by-step process:
1. Obtain Email Addresses
Scammers acquire huge lists of potential victims’ email addresses through various underhanded tactics, including:
Buying stolen email lists on the black market dark web
Hacking into websites and databases to steal account info
Using email harvesting tools to scrape addresses found online
Exploiting security weaknesses in sites to access user data
Getting email lists leaked from data breaches
With thousands of email addresses compiled, they can launch wide-scale scam campaigns.
2. Craft a Threatening Extortion Email
The criminals carefully compose the phishing email to maximize intimidation and provoke panic. The message refers to the recipient as “my prey” to invoke vulnerability.
The email claims the scammers infected your device with malware from an adult site that let them access your webcam and contacts. They threaten to send embarrassing video footage supposedly captured of you masturbating to all your contacts unless you pay within 24 hours.
3. Spoof the Sender’s Email Address
The scammers use technical tricks to mask where the email truly originates from. They spoof the sender address so the email appears to come from your own email account rather than the scammer’s address.
Seeing your own email address in the “From” field makes the message seem more legit and lends credibility to claims they hacked your system.
4. Provide Bitcoin Payment Instructions
Payment is demanded through Bitcoin, since it offers more anonymity compared to traditional financial accounts and transactions. The email includes a Bitcoin wallet address and payment amount.
Bitcoin allows victims to easily pay the ransom while avoiding bank transactions that have more security measures and paper trails. This enables the crooks to collect payments anonymously.
5. Wait for Victims to Pay Up
After blasting out countless threatening emails, the scammers simply wait for panicked recipients to submit payments to the Bitcoin addresses provided. Even a low response rate still means substantial ill-gotten gains.
The crooks never actually possess or distribute any compromising videos of victims, since the entire extortion premise is fabricated. Their only goal is to swindle people out of money.
How to Spot This Scam Email
Though these extortion emails may seem legitimate, there are ways to discern the scam:
Sender Address – The scammers often spoof the sender address to appear as your own email. But you can check the full header to see the true originating address.
Poor Grammar/Spelling – Phony emails tend to contain linguistic errors and awkward phrasings. Legitimate companies will have proper writing.
Threatening Language – No lawful business would threaten to illegally share supposed videos taken of you if payment isn’t received.
Sense of Urgency – Scams impose short timeframes like 24-48 hours to pay. Valid notices provide reasonable periods to take action.
Bitcoin Ransom Demands – Real companies won’t insist you pay untraceable bitcoin to avoid consequences. This is shady.
No Proof Provided – The email won’t include any evidence that your device was compromised or videos were obtained.
Outrageous Claims – Statements like recording you without consent via malware are absurd things no real company would openly admit.
Promises to “Erase” Info – A legitimate company would not be able to magically erase malware infections or videos after a bitcoin payment.
Threats to Expose You – No lawful business would threaten reputation damage by sharing private material if demands aren’t met.
Stay vigilant and use common sense when scrutinizing any questionable email. Do further verification on the company to validate an email’s authenticity before acting on anything.
What to Do If You’re Targeted by This Scam
Here are important steps to take if you receive this “My Prey, This is My Last Warning” phishing email demanding Bitcoin:
Don’t Pay the Ransom
Regardless of how intimidating the email seems, do not pay the ransom under any circumstances. The scammers never truly accessed your system or have any videos of you. Paying them will only fund more scam operations.
Report the Email as Phishing
Forward the scam email to your email provider’s abuse department so they can block the fraudulent account. Reporting phishing scams disrupts their infrastructure.
Run Anti-Virus Software
It’s unlikely any malware is on your device as claimed, but running an anti-virus scan removes any potential threats present. Make sure your security software is up-to-date.
Change Passwords and Enable 2FA
Reset the passwords for your email account and other critical online accounts, making them long and strong. Turn on two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.
Watch for Suspicious Activity
Monitor financial statements closely for any strange transactions or charges. Keep an eye out for odd occurrences that could indicate a genuine compromise, like unknown login attempts.
Ignore Follow-Up Extortion Emails
If the first scam email goes unpaid, the crooks may send more threats demanding Bitcoin. Ignore these – engaging with scammers leads to more harassment.
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 “My Prey, This is My Last Warning” Email Scam
This phishing scam raises many concerns. Here are answers to key questions recipients have about the fraudulent “My Prey” extortion email.
What is the “My Prey, This is My Last Warning” email scam?
This is a phishing campaign where scammers send emails alleging they hacked your device and recorded illicit videos through your webcam to blackmail you into paying them bitcoin. But it’s completely fabricated with no truth behind the threats.
How does the “My Prey” Bitcoin extortion scam work exactly?
The email claims malware let them access your webcam and contacts. It threatens to share supposed embarrassing videos unless you pay the bitcoin ransom in 24 hours. In reality, no such videos exist – the criminals are just deceiving you.
Are the hackers’ claims in the “My Prey” email real?
No, the scammers have not compromised your device, recorded you, or obtained any private data as claimed. It’s all lies intended to scare you into paying. The criminals never actually gained access to your system or accounts.
Should I pay the bitcoin ransom the “My Prey” email demands?
No, never pay ransoms to unknown scammers, especially through untraceable bitcoin. The threats are 100% fake. Paying them fuels these criminal operations to continue scamming others.
What if I already paid the bitcoin ransom from the “My Prey” email?
If you did already pay, contact your bank and the bitcoin exchange you used to see if the transaction can be stopped or reversed. You can also report it to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
How are the scammers getting people’s email addresses?
These scams cast wide nets, acquiring thousands of emails through buying stolen data online, hacking websites, phishing sites, email scraping tools, and other deceptive methods.
How can I recognize this “My Prey” phishing scam?
Look for poor grammar, anonymous bitcoin payment demands, threats and deadlines, the alarming tone, claims of recording you illegally, lack of details/evidence, and other signs of phishing.
What should I do if I get the “My Prey” extortion email?
Do not pay anything. Report the email as phishing to your email provider. Scan devices for malware and reset passwords as a precaution. Monitor financial statements for misuse and watch for other odd activity.
How can I keep safe from this scam?
Using strong unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, keeping software updated, and being vigilant against phishing can help protect you. Anti-virus and backing up data are also good precautions.
Who can I contact if I am targeted by this “My Prey” scam?
You can report these phishing scams to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (info@apwg.org), Google Safe Browsing, PhishTank, and the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov).
The Bottom Line
The “My Prey, This is My Last Warning” email scam preys on victims’ fears of compromising footage being leaked. In reality, the scammers never accessed your system – they simply hope to intimidate recipients into paying Bitcoin ransoms.
Recognize these messages as fraudulent extortion attempts. Avoid falling for demanding threats, report the phishing scams, and implement stronger security practices. Make others aware of cybercriminal tactics to help prevent these scams from claiming more victims.
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 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.
