“We Hacked Your System” Email Scam Explained: What It Is and How to Protect Yourself
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
Imagine opening your inbox to find an email that claims your system has been hacked. The sender alleges to have recorded you through your webcam, stolen your data, and threatens to share it with your contacts unless you pay a ransom in Bitcoin. It’s terrifying, personal, and sounds all too real.
This is not just a nightmare scenario. It’s a very real and dangerous form of cyber extortion known as the “We Hacked Your System” email scam. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly what this scam is, how it works, how to protect yourself, and what steps to take if you’ve been targeted.
This article contains:
Scam Overview
The “We Hacked Your System” email scam is a widespread sextortion scam that leverages fear and shame to manipulate victims into paying a ransom. It plays on deeply personal emotions, threatening to expose fabricated, embarrassing footage to your family, friends, and colleagues.
Let’s break down the full anatomy of this scam.
What Is the “We Hacked Your System” Scam?
At its core, this scam is a social engineering attack. Cybercriminals send out mass emails with terrifying claims:
They claim to have installed a Trojan virus on your device.
They allege they’ve taken over your webcam and recorded compromising videos.
They say they’ve stolen your contacts, private conversations, and browsing history.
They demand a ransom (usually in Bitcoin) to prevent them from sending the alleged video to your contacts.
The scam preys on fear and embarrassment, particularly targeting those who may have visited adult sites. It doesn’t rely on actual hacking or access to your device. Instead, it uses psychological manipulation to coerce payment.
Language and Tone of the Email
The scam email uses threatening language, fake urgency, and scare tactics. Phrases like “Consider this message your last warning” and “You have 50 hours” are designed to create panic. The tone is cold, robotic, and authoritative to further intimidate the victim.
Common Elements of the Scam Email
Claim of system compromise: The email starts with a bold claim of system hacking.
Fake technical jargon: Phrases like “Trojan virus” and “full access to your device” sound technical, but are generally used inaccurately.
Fabricated surveillance: They claim to have turned on your camera and recorded you during private moments.
Threat of exposure: The scammers assert that they will share this content with your contacts unless payment is made.
Bitcoin demand: A specific ransom amount is requested, usually in Bitcoin to remain untraceable.
Countdown timer: You’re given a short window (like 50 hours) to comply or face consequences.
Claims of irreversibility: They insist that complaining or contacting authorities will make things worse.
Here is how this email scam might look:
Consider this message as your last warning.
We hacked your system!
We have copied all the data from your device to our own servers.
Curious videos were recorded from your camera and your actions while watching porn.
Your device was infected with our virus when you visited the porn site. The Trojan virus gives us full access, allows us to control your device.
The virus allows not only to see your screen, but also to turn on your camera, microphone, without your knowledge. We took over the video from your screen and camera, then we mounted a video in which you can see you watching porn in one part of the screen and masturbating in the other.
But that’s not all! We have access to all the contacts in your phone book and social networks.
It won’t take us long to send this video to your friends, family and friends on social networks, messengers and email in minutes.
We have a lot of audio recordings of your personal conversations, where a lot of “interesting” things are revealed!
This information can destroy your reputation once and for all in a matter of minutes. You have an opportunity to prevent irreversible consequences.
To do this:
Transfer 1300 $ USD (US dollars) to our bitcoin wallet. Don’t know how to make a transfer? Enter the query “Buy bitcoins” into the search field.
Our bitcoin wallet After making the payment, your video and audio recordings will be completely destroyed and you can be 100% sure that we won’t bother you again.
You have time to think about it and make the transfer – 50 hours! After you read this letter, we will get an automatic notification. From that moment on, the timer will start.
It is useless to complain, because bitcoin-wallets cannot be tracked, as well as the mail from which the letter arrived to you.
We also do not advise you to send this letter to anybody. In this case the system will automatically send a request to the server, and all data will be published in social networks and messengers.
You will not be able to solve the problem by changing passwords in social networks, as all the information is already downloaded to the cluster of our servers.
Think about what your reputation means to you and how much the consequences will be. You have 50 hours.
Is the Threat Real?
No. In the vast majority of cases, these emails are entirely fake. The attackers usually do not have access to your device, camera, or contacts. They are counting on panic and the psychological pressure to extort money from victims who fear the embarrassment of potential exposure.
However, these scams can feel extremely real because they are well-crafted and often target users who may be more vulnerable due to certain browsing habits.
Why These Scams Work
This type of scam works because it creates a sense of immediate threat and shame. The fear of personal videos being leaked is a powerful motivator, especially for people who value their privacy.
It also taps into general anxieties about cybersecurity, and uses enough tech lingo to sound convincing, even though most of the claims are baseless.
Real-World Impact
Psychological distress: Victims report feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and shame.
Financial loss: Those who pay the ransom not only lose money but also risk being targeted again.
Privacy concerns: Even though the threat is fake, victims feel exposed and vulnerable.
The scale of this scam is massive. Millions of these emails are sent out regularly, and even a small percentage of victims paying the ransom makes it profitable for scammers.
How the Scam Works
Understanding the process can help you identify the red flags and respond appropriately. Here’s how this scam typically unfolds:
Step 1: Mass Email Campaign
Scammers send out thousands or even millions of emails using a botnet or stolen email list. These messages are often:
Not personalized
Contain general threats
Use poor grammar or non-native phrasing
Despite being generic, the message is crafted to seem highly personal and alarming.
Step 2: Psychological Manipulation
Once the victim reads the email, the scam leverages fear to manipulate behavior. Common tactics include:
Guilt/shame language: Suggesting that the user was engaged in embarrassing activity.
Fear of exposure: Threatening to release videos to friends and family.
Urgency: Giving a tight deadline (e.g., 50 hours) to force a decision.
This combination of emotional triggers can overwhelm the victim’s logical thinking.
Step 3: Demands for Bitcoin Payment
The email will usually contain instructions for paying a ransom, often around $1000–$1500 in Bitcoin. It may include a line like:
“Don’t know how to make a transfer? Search ‘Buy Bitcoin’ online.”
This provides just enough information to enable a less tech-savvy victim to follow through.
Step 4: Fake Timer Activation
The email might claim that opening it starts a countdown. This is completely fake and meant only to build pressure.
There is no embedded timer.
The email does not notify the sender when opened.
Step 5: Waiting Game
If the victim pays, the scammers often do nothing further. There are no videos. No leaks. No follow-up emails.
However, if a victim pays once, their email is often marked as a successful target. They may receive additional scam emails demanding more money.
What To Do If You’ve Fallen Victim to the Scam
If you’ve already received or acted on one of these scam emails, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:
1. Don’t Pay the Ransom
Do not send any money. It won’t stop the emails, and it confirms that you’re a viable target. Scammers often keep lists of people who pay and may target them again.
2. Do Not Respond to the Email
Avoid any interaction. Responding shows that your account is active and may lead to more harassment.
3. Change Your Passwords Immediately
Even if the threat is fake, it’s a good idea to:
Update passwords for all important accounts
Use strong, unique passwords
Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible
4. Run a Full Virus and Malware Scan
Use a reputable antivirus or anti-malware tool to ensure your system is clean. While this scam is typically a bluff, it’s wise to rule out any potential threats.
5. Check for Data Breaches
Use a service like Have I Been Pwned to see if your email has appeared in any known data breaches.
6. Report the Scam
Let authorities know. It helps others avoid falling into the same trap.
U.S. Citizens: Report to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Other countries: Contact your local cybercrime authority
7. Mark as Spam or Phishing
In your email client, mark the message as spam or phishing. This helps your provider improve filters and protect others.
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.
No, the email is a scam. The vast majority of these messages are mass-produced and sent out in bulk. Scammers have not actually hacked your system or accessed your camera. The claims are designed to create fear and force you into paying a ransom.
What should I do if I receive this email?
You should delete the email and mark it as spam or phishing in your inbox. Do not respond or send any money. It’s also a good idea to update your passwords and run a virus scan on your device for peace of mind.
How did they get my email address?
Scammers often use email addresses found in data breaches. If you’ve ever signed up for a website or service that was later compromised, your email could be circulating on the dark web or hacker forums. Tools like “Have I Been Pwned” can help you check if your information was exposed.
What if the email includes a password I’ve used before?
In some cases, scammers include an old password to make their claims more convincing. This means your password was likely exposed in a past data breach. Change it immediately, especially if you’re still using it for any accounts.
Can they really access my camera or microphone?
In this scam, no. The emails are lying. They do not have access to your camera or microphone unless your device has actually been infected with malware—which is rare and would require more than just opening an email. Running a trusted antivirus scan can confirm your system’s safety.
Will they actually send anything to my contacts?
No. These scammers do not have access to your contacts or your content. The threats are empty, and no videos or messages will be sent. They rely on fear to pressure you into acting before you think.
Should I report this scam to authorities?
Yes, reporting helps track these activities and prevents others from falling victim. You can report to national cybercrime units like the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) in the U.S. or Action Fraud in the UK. Most countries have their own reporting portals.
What happens if I already paid them?
Unfortunately, paying the ransom does not guarantee anything. Scammers rarely follow through on their “promises,” and your payment might make you a target for future scams. If you’ve paid, you should still report the incident to authorities.
Can scammers track if I opened the email?
In most cases, no. The email doesn’t contain advanced tracking software. Claims that they receive automatic notifications when you read the email are false. However, avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments in any suspicious emails.
How can I avoid similar scams in the future?
Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
Keep your system and antivirus software up to date.
Don’t reuse passwords across different platforms.
Be cautious about which websites you visit and what you download.
Regularly check if your data has been exposed using services like Have I Been Pwned.
If you stay informed and skeptical of high-pressure tactics, you can avoid falling victim to these scams.
The Bottom Line
The “We Hacked Your System” email scam is a cold, calculated manipulation designed to exploit fear. Despite its frightening claims, it almost never involves any real hacking or video footage.
Stay calm. Don’t pay. Protect your accounts. And always stay informed.
These scams rely on panic and secrecy to thrive. Knowledge, awareness, and communication are your best defenses.
If this article helped you, consider sharing it to help someone else avoid falling for the same trick.
Stay safe online.
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.
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.
