The “We Have Full Access To Your Device” email scam is a deceptive phishing campaign targeting many innocent victims. This fraudulent email threatens to encrypt devices and leak private data to extort money. Here’s what you need to know about recognizing and stopping this scam.
Overview of the Scam
The “We Have Full Access To Your Device” scam email starts off claiming the criminals have full access to the recipient’s device and all personal information. It asserts that all files are encrypted and activity is being monitored.
The message goes on to threaten that the only way to regain access to the hijacked device and data is by paying a ransom fee of $3,500 or more in Bitcoin or Ethereum within an unspecified deadline.
It warns that failure to comply will result in permanent loss of data, files and devices being sold publicly, and extensive damage through this illegal remote access. Of course these are complete lies meant to provoke panic into paying the ransom.
In reality, the scammers have not compromised anyone’s device or installed malware able to encrypt systems. This is a deceitful phishing ploy aimed at extorting money by exploiting confusion and fear around hacking. Here’s an example:
Subject: URGENT ATTENTION!!!
Dear,
It may interest you to know that we have full access to your device and all your information data. All your files are encrypted and we are monitoring everything you do right now. The only way you can be free from us and get you device and data back safely if by following our instructions. Otherwise, you cant return your data (NEVER) and will regret it everyday.
Its just a business. We absolutely do not care about you and your deals, except getting benefits. If we do not do our work and liabilities – nobody will cooperate with us. Its not in our interests to keep your files or information data. We will crash your device and sell your Data in the puplic space if you fail to comply with us. To check the ability of returning files, we decrypt one file for free. That is our guarantee. If you will not cooperate with us it does not matter, but you will lose your device and data. We are aware that your data is worth more than the fee we are asking for, when we put it up for sale in the public space.
This is what the “We Have Full Access” phishing email looks like. Here’s how the criminals carry out this deceitful extortion scheme.
How the “We Have Full Access To Your Device” Email Scam Works
The cybercriminals behind this scam rely on devious social engineering techniques to extort money from victims. Here is the step-by-step process:
1. Obtain Email Addresses
Scammers acquire enormous lists of potential targets through various deceitful means, including:
- Buying stolen email lists on the black market dark web
- Hacking into databases and websites to steal user account information
- Using email harvesting tools to scrape addresses found online
- Exploiting vulnerabilities in websites to access contact data
- Getting email lists leaked from data breaches
Large batches of emails allow them to launch wide-scale scam campaigns.
2. Spoof the Sender’s Email Address
The scammers disguise where the email truly originates from using technical spoofing tricks. They alter the message header so the “From” address shows a legitimate business rather than their own shady address.
The professional appearance makes the email seem authentic and lends credibility to the claims and threats made in the scam message.
3. Craft an Alarming Extortion Email
The phishing email is carefully composed to provoke fear and urgency. The criminals pretend to have already hacked into devices and installed malware allowing remote access.
The message threatens permanent loss of data and systems unless the ransom is promptly paid. Scammers may even pretend to decrypt a file for free as supposed “proof” of their capabilities. Psychological coercion is applied via repeated stern warnings against non-compliance or contacting authorities.
4. Demand Untraceable Ransom Payment
The scammers insist on payment through anonymous cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum to receive funds while avoiding traces. The email includes wallet addresses and specifies the demanded dollar amount, ranging from $500 to $5000+.
Untraceable crypto ransom allows panicked victims to easily pay up while stopping short of riskier bank wire transactions. This enables the criminals to more readily collect payments without revealing identifying information.
5. Wait for Victims to Pay Up
After blasting out countless intimidating phishing emails, the scammers simply await payments to roll in from frightened recipients who believe the threats. Even a 0.5% response rate nets huge profits from large enough scam campaigns.
The crooks never actually carry out threats of leaking or selling data, or crashing devices, since the entire extortion premise is fabricated. Their sole aim is to trick victims out of money by capitalizing on confusion and fear.
What to Do If You’re Targeted by This Scam
Here are important steps to take if you receive this “We Have Full Access To Your Device” phishing email demanding Bitcoin or Ethereum:
Don’t Pay the Ransom
Regardless of how credible or intimidating the email seems, do not pay the ransom under any circumstances. The scammers cannot actually restrict access to your data or systems. Paying them will only finance more criminal extortion attempts on other victims.
Report the Email as Phishing
Forward the scam email to your email provider’s abuse department so they can block the fraudulent account. Reporting these phishing scams helps authorities disrupt the operations.
Run Anti-Virus Software
It’s highly unlikely any malware is installed or encryption activated as claimed, but running an anti-virus scan doesn’t hurt. Make sure your security software is up-to-date to catch the latest threats.
Monitor Accounts Closely
Carefully check bank & credit statements to ensure no unauthorized payments were made. Look for any suspicious activity that could indicate a genuine compromise, like unknown login attempts, just to stay vigilant.
Ignore Follow-Up Extortion Emails
If the first scam email goes unpaid, the crooks may blast out more threats demanding bitcoin or ethereum. Continue to ignore these demands – do not engage with the frauds.
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 “We Have Full Access To Your Device” Scam
This phishing scam raises many concerns. Here are comprehensive answers to key questions recipients have about the fraudulent device hacking email:
What exactly is the “We Have Full Access” email crypto scam?
This is a phishing scam where criminals send messages claiming to have already hacked devices to encrypt files and systems. The email threatens permanent loss of data unless a bitcoin/ethereum ransom is promptly paid. But it’s completely fabricated with no real hacking.
How does the “Full Access” crypto extortion scam work?
The email claims remote hacking access was achieved enabling video monitoring, file encryption, device crashing, etc. It threatens selling off stolen data publicly unless the ransom is paid in untraceable cryptocurrency within a short deadline. No actual damage occurs.
Are the hackers’ claims in the “Full Access” email real?
No, the scammers have not compromised anyone’s device, encrypted files, accessed private data, or installed malware as claimed. No real evidence exists of remote access or stolen information. It’s all lies intended to trick victims into paying crypto ransoms out of fear.
Should I pay the ransom the “Full Access” email demands?
No, never pay ransoms to unknown scammers, especially through anonymous cryptocurrency. Their hacking claims are completely fabricated to manipulate you. Paying them will only enable these phishing scams to persist at higher volumes.
What if I already paid the bitcoin ransom from the “Full Access” email?
If you did already pay, contact your bank and the crypto exchange you used to see if the transaction can be stopped, reversed or refunded. You can also report it to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
How are the scammers sending the fake “Full Access” email?
These phishing scams blast out thousands of emails acquired illegally through hacking databases, malware attacks, credential stuffing, exploiting websites, and other deceitful tactics. Stolen contacts get sold online and leaked from data breaches too.
How can I recognize this “Full Access” phishing scam?
Look for demands of untraceable crypto payment within short deadlines, threats of files being encrypted/sold, claims of unauthorized remote access with no evidence, stern warnings against contacting authorities, and other telltale phishing indicators.
What should I do if I get the “Full Access” extortion email?
Do not pay any ransom. Report the email as phishing to your provider and relevant cybersecurity authorities. Run antivirus scans and reset account passwords as a precaution. Closely monitor bank statements for any suspicious activity too.
How can I avoid becoming a victim of this scam?
Using strong unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, keeping software updated, and being vigilant against phishing can help protect you. Robust endpoint security solutions, firewalls, intrusion detection programs, and staff training are also beneficial precautions against cybercrime.
Who can I contact if I’m targeted by this “Full Access” 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). Reporting cyber extortion helps law enforcement agencies build cases against organized scamming networks.
The Bottom Line
The “We Have Full Access To Your Device” email scam preys on victims’ cybersecurity fears around hacking and data theft. But in reality, the scammers haven’t accessed anyone’s systems – they simply hope to trick recipients through deception and threats.
Recognize these messages as fraudulent extortion attempts. Avoid falling for ransom payment demands, report the phishing scams, and implement stronger security best practices. Make others aware of these cybercriminal tactics to help prevent further victims.
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