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.
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? 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 “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.
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