‘Your Device is Hacked: Evidence (Files) Are Available’ Scam Alert
Written by: Stelian Pilici
Published on:
A new alarming email scam has emerged that claims your device has been hacked and the sender now has embarrassing or incriminating materials ready to expose publicly. The subject line reads “Your Device is Hacked: Evidence (Files) are Available” and threatens to send the supposed evidence to your contacts if you don’t pay a ransom in Bitcoin. This is another example of cybercriminals using deception and intimidation tactics to extort money from victims.
While this email is designed to shock and compel action through fear, it is important not to let panic guide your response. The claims made in the message are completely fabricated in a bid to trick recipients into paying.
This article contains:
Overview of the “Your Device is Hacked: Evidence (Files) are Available” Sextortion Scam
The “Your Device is Hacked: Evidence (Files) are Available” email is a form of sextortion attack, which involves threats to reveal private, compromising or embarrassing materials like photos, videos, or information unless the victim pays a ransom. Sending alarming emails en masse allows scammers to cast a wide net for potential victims quickly and anonymously.
The subject line “Your Device is Hacked: Evidence (Files) are Available” is intended to shock recipients and compel urgent action. The scam email asserts that hackers have already gained access to your device and extracted incriminating evidence against you. It claims this information is compiled and ready to send to all your contacts if you do not pay the demanded ransom in Bitcoin within a short timeframe.
By threatening to both expose your private information online and send it directly to people you know, the criminals hope to overwhelm you with fear about the potential consequences. The email is meant to trigger feelings of anxiety, dread, humiliation, and desperation. Their goal is for you to comply with ransom payment demands out of panic rather than carefully considering the validity of the threats.
Here is how the “Your Device is Hacked: Evidence (Files) are Available” email scam looks:
Subject: Your Device is Hacked: Evidence (Files) are Available
Hello,
We hacked & extracted information from your device which shows you are cheating on your spouse and ths evidences has been compiled and ready to be shared with your spouse if you do not cooperate.
Just a little favor from you to us can go along way in ensuring things don’t get bitter with your spouse finding out so kindly send an equivalent of $300 (token) worth of bitcoin to this wallet : bc1qlksvtfvl5js2lrzs7ew3z86pqhu0f9f93q7mrn
Trust me, this is very little compared to what will happen if you don’t cooporate with us (I & my team of hackers) and i believe you love your family.
In 48hrs time,if we don’t receive this token of 200$ worth of btc from you, you will receive pictures and screenshots via email and same will be sent to your spouse and online space as well.
Your time starts counting now and note that any attempt to file a complaint will not result to anything as this e-mail cannot be traced and same as my bitcoin id but If, by any chance I find out that you have shared this message with anyone else, I will make things go viral immediately.
Rdgs
How the “Your Device is Hacked: Evidence (Files) are Available” Sextortion Scam Works
The “Your Device is Hacked: Evidence (Files) are Available” sextortion email scam is carefully engineered to cause distress and push victims into urgent action. Understanding the psychological tactics used can help guard against this manipulative scam.
Crafted to Sound Like a Security Breach
The email is made to appear like an official incident notification from a security firm, lending credence to the hacking claims. The subject line “Your Device is Hacked: Evidence (Files) are Available” mimics language used for legitimate data breaches. This aims to convince recipients the message is serious and urgent.
Claims Access to Embarrassing Information
The email asserts hackers have already breached your device’s security defenses to extract private, compromising information. It states they have evidence compiled and ready to distribute, implying the damage is done and exposure inevitable without cooperation.
Demands Untraceable Ransom Payment
Scammers give a deadline to pay an untraceable ransom in Bitcoin, often 48 hours, adding to the sense of urgency. Bitcoin enables anonymous cybercrime payments, making it difficult to identify the perpetrators. Short deadlines compel fast action before recipients can scrutinize the claims.
Threatens Ruinous Consequences
By threatening to send the supposed evidence to all your email and social media contacts, the criminals maximize fear of relationship, reputational, and financial ruin. The promise of global online exposure preys on anxieties of widespread, uncontrollable distribution of your private information.
Warns Against Exposing the Scheme
The email often discourages recipients from attempting to file a report or expose the scam, stating “any attempt to expose this activity will accelerate the process of exposing the evidence we have against you.” This is a bluff to avoid scrutiny of their deceitful tactics.
Relies on Shock Value and Deception
Rather than actually hacking devices, the scammers fabricate claims and threats to shock, intimidate, and deceive victims. Their only power is triggering emotional responses like fear, shame, and urgency that override critical thinking in targets.
Steps to Take if You Receive This Email
If confronted with an email claiming hackers extracted cheating evidence from your devices, remain calm and take these steps:
Do not pay any ransom demands, which will likely lead to more requests.
Do not respond to the email or engage with the sender in any way.
Report the scam email to authorities like the FBI and FTC to aid investigations.
Alert your spouse or significant others about the scam if it threatens contacting them.
Change passwords on your accounts and scan devices for potential malware.
Consider adding extra authentication layers to accounts in case of compromised credentials.
Review online presence and tighten up privacy settings if you are concerned.
The most important move is not letting panic guide your actions. Avoid paying ransoms and understand the threats are not legitimate. With vigilance, this scam can be defeated.
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.
If you paid the ransom demand, immediately take these steps to limit damages:
Contact your bank to halt or reverse the transactions if possible.
Change online account passwords and enable two-factor authentication to secure accounts.
File reports with the FTC and FBI about the extortion payment and threats.
Alert your spouse or significant other that it was a scam in case the criminals make contact.
Scan devices for malware and wipe devices clean if necessary.
Monitor financial and credit accounts closely for signs of fraud.
Consult a lawyer regarding additional actions to take after paying sextortion demands.
Even if you paid, continue to vigilantly monitor accounts and credit while refusing further communication. Don’t let shame or fear allow the situation to spiral. Taking swift action can help contain the problem.
Assessing the Scammer’s Claims
It is important to understand the “evidence” referenced in the sextortion email does not exist. The scammers are lying about hacking your device and possessing incriminating materials in order to extort money. Consider the following:
They have no proof of infidelity or compromising information.
They have not actually hacked into your devices or accounts.
Threats to release materials are empty, meant to intimidate targets.
If materials existed, releasing them publicly does not help them extort money.
They avoid actions like hacking or blackmail that increase legal risk if caught.
Their sole goal is extorting money quickly through empty threats and deception.
Seeing past the sensational claims is key to recognizing this scam for what it is – a bluff meant to prey on fears rather than expose real misconduct. Do not let them intimidate or deceive you.
Who is Behind the Sextortion Scam?
It is difficult to definitively pinpoint the culprits behind “Your Device is Hacked: Evidence (Files) Are Available” sextortion scams, but possibilities include:
Individual scammers skilled at phishing scams seeking quick money.
Organized cybercriminal groups who mass-blast sextortion emails then launder the Bitcoins.
Botnets hijacked to send phishing emails en masse without raising alarms.
Disreputable hacking groups willing to use unethical means to earn income.
Foreign state-sponsored groups that engage in cyber activities against other nations.
The ability to hide behind impersonal emails and Bitcoin payments makes identifying the specific criminals difficult. Law enforcement works hard to trace and prosecute sextortion groups, but new scammers constantly emerge. Being able to recognize and avoid their deceptive tactics is the best way to overcome this scam.
Why Do Scammers Use Sextortion Tactics?
There are several factors that make fake sextortion threats an appealing approach for scammers:
Strong motivator: Fear of relationship damage or public embarrassment compels people to pay.
Increased targets: Potential victims are more likely to have compromising materials and online presence nowadays.
Anonymous payments: Cryptocurrency like Bitcoin enables anonymous, hard-to-trace ransom payments.
Broad targeting: Emails allow effortlessly targeting millions of recipients across the globe.
Low risk: Sextortion only requires simple phishing schemes rather than actual hacking skills.
Avoidance of consequences: Scared victims are less likely to expose the scammers or question the validity of claims.
Understanding why scammers find sextortion lucrative can help equip us to recognize and respond appropriately to these social engineering tactics.
How to Report the Sextortion Emails
If you receive a “Your Device is Hacked: Evidence (Files) Are Available” sextortion email, make sure to report it:
Forward the email to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at phish@apwg.org to aid cybercrime prevention efforts.
File a complaint with ic3.gov, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Provide details on ransom requests, sender addresses, or Bitcoin wallets.
Report it to the FTC using the ReportFraud.ftc.gov website. The more reports received, the more resources they can devote to combatting sextortion scams.
Contact the email provider used by the scammers to inform them of the scam account. Supply full email headers and transaction details.
Look up cybercrime authorities in your region to report local victims and support investigative efforts.
Reporting scams is crucial to help law enforcement agencies track down syndicates engaging in extortion and phishing schemes. The more action taken to expose sextortion groups, the less victims they can target.
Protecting Yourself from Sextortion Scams
Here are some key tips to safeguard yourself online and avoid becoming a victim of fake sextortion threats:
Use strong unique passwords for all accounts and two-factor authentication where available. This prevents scammers accessing your accounts.
Be wary of any emails demanding payment and making bold claims. Verify the situation through other channels before taking action.
Avoid opening attachments or clicking links within suspicious emails that may contain malware.
Use comprehensive security software on all devices to detect viruses, malware, and unauthorized access attempts.
Only put legitimate contact info on social media profiles and be cautious sharing personal details publicly online.
If you have separated from a partner, inform them about potential sextortion scams using your name or images.
Never pay ransoms which further fund criminal operations and could lead to repeat extortion attempts.
Exercising caution online and verifying threats directly with implicated parties rather than scammers can help you avoid being victimized by fake sextortion schemes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions and answers about the “Your Device is Hacked: Evidence (Files) Are Available” sextortion scam:
Do the scammers really have evidence against me?
No, this is a bluff intended to trick you into paying. Any claims they make are false and meant to scare rather than expose real cheating evidence.
Should I pay them if I’m worried the materials might be real?
No, you should never pay a sextortion ransom even if worried the claims may be true. This will likely just lead to more monetary demands in the future.
Can they actually hack into my phone, computer, or accounts?
While not impossible, it would require significant technical skills and effort on their part. In most cases, the hacking claims are fabricated to frighten recipients.
What should I do if they send compromising materials to my contacts?
Contact the implicated parties, explain it’s a scam, ask them to delete the materials, and cut off further communication with the criminals.
Should I respond and try to negotiate with the scammers?
No, any response will be seen as an indication you are fearful and willing to pay. Completely ignoring the email is the best course of action.
Can law enforcement trace and prosecute sextortion scams?
While challenging, investigators do have success infiltrating and disrupting major sextortion groups, especially with sufficient public reporting of the scams.
With awareness and vigilance, we can take a stand against deceitful sextortion tactics seeking to manipulate targets through fear. Recognizing their threats as empty is key to overcoming this scam.
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.
