Uncovering the “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” Scam
Written by: Stelian Pilici
Published on:
Amid the many phishing schemes targeting email users, an insidious scam has emerged that leverages fear and embarrassment to extort money. Known as the “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” email, this prevalent sextortion scam fabricates claims of compromising recordings to coerce victims into paying a ransom.
This article will delve into how the intricate social engineering behind this scam works, arming readers with knowledge to avoid being manipulated. We’ll explore the email’s contents in depth, expose the deceptive tactics used, and provide advice for staying safe if targeted by this attack.
By understanding the hallmarks of this fraud, you can confidently identify and discard the scam attempt. Keep reading to learn how to protect yourself and your finances from this “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” extortion scheme.
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Scam Overview
The “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” scam message preys upon recipients’ fears of privacy violations and blackmail. This is immediately evident from the email’s subject line stating private data was stolen due to suspicious activity.
Opening the email reveals a message supposedly from a hacker claiming to have infected your device with malware. This trojan virus allegedly allows them to access your webcam, record your screen activity, and monitor your online communications.
According to the email, this illicit surveillance software was secretly installed when you visited a pornographic website. Using this infection, the hacker says they’ve recorded embarrassing videos of you masturbating while watching adult content online.
To prevent the release of these fabricated inappropriate videos, you are instructed to pay the hacker $750 within 50 hours. Failing to meet their ransom demands in time will result in your contact list receiving the imaginary explicit footage.
These intimidating threats leverage fear and shame to overwhelm critical thinking. However, a closer look reveals this is just a scam intended to extort money from as many victims as possible. No malware infection or illicit videos actually exist.
Key Details About This Sextortion Scam:
Email subject line stating private data is compromised due to suspicious activity.
Sender impersonates a hacker claiming to have infected your device.
States malware allows them to record you through your webcam.
Threatens to share fake explicit videos unless ransom paid in Bitcoin.
Emphasizes urgency, demanding $750 within 50 hours or footage will be released.
Follow-up harassment repeats threats if initial email gets any response.
Here is how the “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” scam email looks:
Subject: Your private information has been stolen because of suspicious events.
Greetings!
Would like to introduce myself – I am a specialized hacker, and have succeeded in hacking your operating system. At this moment, I have obtained a complete access to account of yours. On top of that, I was also unnoticeably observing all your activities and spying on you for few past months. It was possible because your computer was infected with malicious spyware, which infiltrated your computer while you were visiting a website containing adult videos.
Give me a few minutes to clarify how that affects you. Because of Trojan viruses, I am now able to have an unrestricted access to your computer as well as any other devices owned by you. In other words, I can see without any restrictions everything in your screen and even activate the camera together with microphone anytime I want, and you won’t even know about that. Moreover, I have complete access to confidential data of yours including emails, chat history etc.
You may be rightfully puzzled how come your antivirus is not able to detect the harmful software of mine. I don’t mind explaining that at all: my malicious software is driver-based; hence it refreshes its signatures every 4 hours, which makes it impossible for your antivirus to identify it.
I have come up with a video exposing the scenes of your passionate masturbation sessions on the left side, whereas on the right side it shows the dirty videos you were watching during that time. `.`
Trust me, it takes several mouse clicks to distribute this video to your entire email addresses list as well as messenger contacts on your PC or other devices. Additionally, I can easily share all your emails as well as chat history to public too.
I honestly think you would certainly like to abstain from letting that happen. There is a solution for you in this case – perform 750 USD transfer in Bitcoin equivalent to Bitcoin account of mine (it is really not difficult to do, and you can find online the step-by-step guide, if you have no idea about it).
My bitcoin account details are below as follows (Bitcoin wallet): 15wQk4AHFCtWGyAzjsG9c947prqdeR2tGb
Once the aforementioned amount gets transferred to my account, I will straight away erase all those kinky videos and vanish from your life completely. Please, settle this payment within 50 hours (2 days). A notification will be sent to me right after this email gets opened, which will trigger the countdown.
Believe me, I am very cautious, professional and never fail. If I get to know about you sharing this message with anyone else, I will right away distribute your private videos to public.
Best of luck!
How the “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” Scam Works
The criminals behind this scam are masters at psychological manipulation. By understanding their tactics, we can recognize the deceit designed to exploit vulnerabilities and fears. Here is an inside look at how this extortion scheme operates:
Crafting a Deceptive Email
The scam begins with an email crafted for maximum believability and intimidation. The subject line triggers unease by claiming your private data is compromised.
The sender impersonates a hacker, detailing supposed malware infections that enable access to your webcam feed and screen activity. False technical jargon about “trojan viruses” and “driver-based software” make the hacking claims seem plausible.
Talk of recording your visits to adult sites leverages feelings of shame and fear of exposure. Threats to send the videos to contacts unless demands are met incite urgency and panic.
Even the Bitcoin payment method holds significance, as its pseudonymous nature adds to the hacker narrative. Every element is precision-designed to override critical thinking.
Executing a Follow-Up Attack
If the initial email gets a response, the scammer launches into aggressive follow-up messages. These repeat the same threats of releasing fabricated videos while berating and intimidating the victim.
The harasser insists the ransom be paid immediately, utilizing anger, fear, and profanity to coerce compliance. Their intimidation efforts exploit the psychological tendency to avoid conflict and submit to demands.
This manipulation is reinforced by feigning malware attacks on the victim’s device. The scammer may send pop-up or alert-style emails claiming the video is being uploaded to YouTube to force urgency.
Ransoming Bitcoin from Victims
The scammers’ sole motive is to extort money fast from as many terrified victims as possible. For each person who pays up out of fear, the cycle continues with more scam emails sent.
Once victims send Bitcoin to the provided wallet address, the scammers cut off contact. Given the irreversible nature of cryptocurrency transactions, victims have no means of recovering their funds.
Maintaining Anonymity
These sextortion scammers hide behind layers of anonymity. Fake hacker personas with randomly generated email addresses are used to avoid exposure. Bitcoin payments offer pseudonymity.
The emails route through multiple proxy servers to mask originating locations. This untraceable setup lets scammers operate the “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” scam with little risk.
What to Do If You Are Targeted by This Scam
If you receive this sextortion email, stay calm and avoid acting rashly. Take the following steps to protect yourself:
Do Not Reply to the Email
Replying signals you are a viable target. Delete the message without further interaction. Avoid opening any attachments, which may contain malware.
Do Not Pay the Ransom
No matter how intimidating the follow-up demands may be, do not pay. This only enables further extortion attempts targeting you.
Gather Evidence
Keep records of all scam emails received and digital traces like Bitcoin wallets. This aids law enforcement in tracking down scammers.
Run Security Scans
Scan devices with trusted antivirus software to put your mind at ease, even though the infection claims are fake.
Reset Passwords
As a precaution, reset passwords for online accounts, prioritizing financial logins and email. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
Report the Scam
File detailed complaints with the FTC, FBI, and Anti-Phishing Working Group to help combat these crimes.
Seek Social Support
Speaking with loved ones provides emotional support to offset feelings of violation from the scam attempt. Therapy is also an option if trauma lingers.
The threats made in this scam are completely empty, designed solely to manipulative. Keep the power out of the scammer’s hands by identifying their deceitful tactics. Share knowledge of this scam to help others avoid falling victim.
Frequently Asked Questions About the “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” Sextortion Scam
Is this email really from a hacker?
No, the email is not really from a hacker. It is sent by scammers impersonating a hacker in order to appear more intimidating. None of the claims in the email are true.
How do you know my device isn’t infected?
The claims of malware infections that allow remote access to your webcam and screen activity are completely fabricated. Run some antivirus scans for peace of mind, but rest assured your device is fine.
What if I did visit inappropriate sites?
Even if adult sites were visited, that does not enable hackers to record you. The threats of having explicit videos of you are false.
Should I pay the ransom to avoid the videos being leaked?
No, you should never pay the ransom demand. There are no actual videos to leak, so paying provides funds to scammers while encouraging further sextortion attempts.
What happens if I don’t pay the Bitcoin in time?
Nothing will happen if you do not pay the ransom in 50 hours, because the scammer has no videos to distribute. The threats are a bluff intended to manipulate victims.
Could the scammer really send videos to my contacts?
No, the scammer cannot send anything to your contacts, since they do not actually have access to your accounts or contacts list. This threat is just used for intimidation.
What should I do if I already paid the ransom?
If you paid the scammer, first contact your local authorities and the FBI to report the fraud. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to recover or trace cryptocurrency payments. Avoid further contact with the scammer.
How can I report these sextortion scams?
Forward scam emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (reportphishing@apwg.org). You should also report to the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov and to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Am I at greater risk of being targeted again?
Possibly, since scammers may re-target past victims. Be extra cautious of similar sextortion scams, and never engage with demands for money. Identifying new scam attempts quickly can help avoid being manipulated again.
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.
The “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” sextortion scam leverages alarming claims and psychological intimidation tactics to coerce ransom payments out of email users. However, a close analysis reveals the sophisticated hacking details and threats of leaked footage are entirely fabricated.
Awareness of the manipulative social engineering involved in this scam is key to protecting yourself and your finances. Take care to thoroughly examine any suspicious emails about compromised private data or extortion. Look for urgency cues, intimidation efforts, and false expertise claims so you can confidently identify and discard sextortion attempts.
Do not interact with the scammers at all. Share information about this scam with loved ones so they too can stay vigilant against such deceptive frauds. With increased public awareness of their manipulative tactics, we can help strip these criminals of their power to deceive.
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.
