“Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” Email Scam Explained
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
The “Your private information has been stolen because of suspicious events” email is a scam that claims that hackers have gained access to your computer and other personal information, and threatens to release embarrassing or compromising material unless a ransom is paid.
This type of scam preys on victims’ fears that their personal information and privacy has been compromised. While it can seem intimidating, it’s important to understand how this scam works so you can protect yourself. This article will provide an in-depth overview of how the “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” email scam operates, what you should do if you receive this type of email, and how to avoid becoming a victim.
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Overview of the Scam
The “Your private information has been stolen because of suspicious events” scam email has a number of common elements that should raise red flags:
Claims of Hacking and Surveillance
The email claims that hackers have infected your computer with malware and gained complete access to your operating system, accounts, camera, microphone and more. It states that they have been spying on your activity for months without your knowledge. These claims are designed to scare recipients into believing their privacy has already been severely compromised.
Demands for Payment in Bitcoin
The email demands payment of hundreds or thousands of dollars’ worth of Bitcoin within a short timeframe, usually 24-48 hours. It provides a Bitcoin wallet address and threatens to release compromising material, like videos or sensitive information, if payment isn’t received in time.
Intimidating Threats
The scam email uses threatening language, noting that there’s no way to track them and promising swift retribution if demands aren’t met or the email is shared with others. This amplifies the fear tactics, pressuring victims to pay up.
Information That Appears Legitimate
Often these emails will include partial pieces of real information, like passwords, to make the hacking claims more believable. The senders obtain such information from large-scale data breaches.
Spoofed Identities
While the scam emails are not actually from hackers, the sender identity is masked to make it appear that way. The “From” address and names will seem legitimate.
By combining intimidation with seemingly legitimate information, the scam aims to convince recipients to pay up or risk having their privacy violated. However, the claims of hacking are false and can be ignored.
How the Scam Works
The “Your private information has been stolen because of suspicious events” scam relies on well-crafted social engineering techniques and extortion to defraud victims. Here is how the scam typically operates:
1. Recipients Receive Scam Email
The scam email is sent out en masse to thousands of potential victims. The sender information is spoofed to appear it was sent by a hacker. The subject line is designed to incite fear and urgency to open the email, such as “Your private information has been stolen because of suspicious events”
Here is how the email might look:
Subject: Your private information has been stolen because of suspicious events Hi,
I am a hacker, and I have successfully gained access to your operating system. I also have full access to your account.
When I hacked into your account, your password was: I’ve been watching you for a few months now.
The fact is that your computer has been infected with malware through an adult site that you visited. If you are not familiar with this, I will explain. Trojan Virus gives me full access and control over a computer or other device. This means that I can see everything on your screen, turn on the camera and microphone, but you do not know about it. I also have access to all your contacts and all your correspondence.
Why did your antivirus not detect malware? Answer: The malware I used is driver-based, I update its signatures every 4 hours. Hence your antivirus is unable to detect its presence. I made a video showing how you satisfy yourself in the left half of the screen, and the right half shows the video you were watching at the time.
With one mouse click, I can send this video to all your emails and contacts on your social networks. I can also make public all your e-mail correspondence and chat history on the messengers that you use.
If you don’t want this to happen, transfer $950 in Bitcoin equivalent to my Bitcoin address (if you do not know how to do this, just search “buy bitcoin” on Google).
My Bitcoin address (BTC Wallet) is: 12FvRPR4s9ziuGW4CveDGD5oCro46PPsa6
After confirming your payment, I will delete the video immediately, and that’s it. You will never hear from me again. I will give you 50 hours (more than 2 days) to pay. I will get a notice, when you open this email, and the timer will start. Filing a complaint somewhere does not make sense because this email cannot be tracked like my Bitcoin address.
I never make any mistakes. If I find that you have shared this message with someone else, the video will be immediately distributed.
Best regards!
2. Email Makes False Hacking Claims
The body of the email elaborates on fictitious claims that the recipient’s computer and accounts have been infiltrated by hackers. It may include real but often outdated login credentials that were likely obtained from past data breaches.
3. Demand for Payment in Bitcoin
The email specifies that payment must be made within 24-48 hours to a provided Bitcoin wallet address. The amount demanded typically ranges from 200to200 to 200to1000. Threats of leaking personal info or files will be made if payment isn’t received.
4. Countdown Timer Adds Pressure
A countdown timer is provided, ticking down the hours until the deadline for payment. This amplifies the sense of urgency to pay up before the given timeframe.
5. Recipient Panics and Pays Ransom
The scare tactics work, and the recipient pays the ransom in Bitcoin, usually out of fear their personal files and information will be released publicly if they don’t comply.
6. Scammer Vanishes After Payment
Once the Bitcoin is received, the scammer disappears with no intention of deleting any information. The threats were a bluff, but the scammer profits off the ransom payment.
This simplistic but manipulative scam takes advantage of recipients’ lack of awareness around online extortion tactics and privacy concerns. The hackers’ claims are completely fabricated, but fears of personal information being leaked lead many to pay up.
What To Do If You Get This Scam Email
If you receive an email claiming your private information has been stolen and demanding payment in Bitcoin, don’t panic. Here are the steps you should take:
Don’t click any links or open attachments. The email may contain embedded malware that could infect your device.
Check the sender’s email address. Does it match the name used in the email body? Often the “From” address will be completely unrelated to the alleged hacker identity.
Look for poor spelling and grammar. Sloppy language is a giveaway that it’s not a legitimate hacker.
Go to account websites directly. Don’t access your accounts through any links in the email. Log in directly to check for any signs of a breach.
Scan your device for malware. Run a thorough antivirus scan to check for any infections or monitoring malware. Reboot afterwards.
Change passwords. Update passwords for any accounts referenced in the email, or any highly sensitive accounts, as a precaution. Enable two-factor authentication if possible.
Ignore payment demands. There is no proof any personal data has been compromised. Paying the ransom encourages more scam attempts.
Block the sender. Prevent any future scam emails by blocking the sender’s email address.
Report the scam. Forward the email to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (reportphishing@apwg.org) and the Federal Trade Commission spam@uce.gov to help warn others.
Don’t communicate with the scammer. Replying to the email could confirm you’re a real target and prompt more scam attempts. Cease all communication.
The most important step is not to let fear or uncertainty sway you into paying the ransom. The hackers do not actually have your information, and no payments should be made.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About the “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” Scam Email
What is the “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” scam email?
The “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” scam email is a fraudulent email that cybercriminals send out claiming to be from hackers who have compromised your computer and personal information. The email states that the hackers have been spying on you through your device’s camera and microphone and have stolen sensitive data like passwords. The email threatens to publicly release embarrassing or compromising photos, videos, or information about you unless you pay a ransom demand in Bitcoin within 24-48 hours.
How does the “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” scam work?
The scam email uses social engineering manipulation and threats to trick victims into paying the ransom. The email includes fake claims that the hacker has access to your computer and accounts along with some real but often outdated login credentials stolen from data breaches. It provides a Bitcoin wallet address and threatens to leak your private files or information if the ransom isn’t paid in time. A countdown timer adds false urgency. The scammers vanish after receiving payment, without actually possessing or releasing any compromising material.
Are the claims in the “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” email real?
No, the claims made in the scam email about hacking into your device and accounts are completely fabricated. The scammers do not actually have access to your personal information, files, webcam, or microphone. Any old usernames or passwords in the email were likely obtained from previous third-party data breaches, not from infiltrating your private data. The threats to release information are fake and designed solely to extort money.
Why do scammers ask for payment in Bitcoin?
Scammers request payment in Bitcoin because it offers a level of pseudo-anonymity and makes transactions difficult to trace or reverse. This allows scammers to easily collect ransom payments without revealing their identity or getting caught. Standard bank transfers and credit cards offer more consumer protections against fraud, which scammers aim to avoid.
What should I do if I get the “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” email?
Do not panic or pay the ransom under any circumstances. The email is a scam designed to extort money through false threats. Check that the sender email address is not legitimate. Scan your device for malware and change passwords as a precaution. Report the scam email to authorities. Cease all communication with the scammer – do not reply.
How can I protect myself from the “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” scam?
Use unique strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, keep software updated, be wary of email attachments/links, and use antivirus protection. Avoid openly sharing personal information online. Never pay ransom demands to unknown parties. Learn to identify telltale signs of phishing emails and extortion scams.
What should I do if I already paid the ransom demanded in the scam email?
If you already paid the ransom, immediately contact your bank and Bitcoin exchange to see if the transactions can be halted or reversed. Report the incident to your local authorities and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Closely monitor all accounts that may have been compromised. Implement enhanced security protections to avoid repeat targeting.
Can the scammers actually see me through my webcam?
No, the claims that the scammers can view your webcam video feed are false. The email scam simply uses common fears about webcam hacking in order to demand ransom money. Standard cybersecurity practices like keeping software updated and using antivirus should prevent any real webcam takeovers. Do not let the empty threats in scam emails manipulate you.
Is there any way to find the real identity of the scammers behind this email scam?
It is very difficult to trace the scammers since they use spoofed email addresses and Bitcoin payments. Law enforcement has technical resources to potentially determine the geographical source of scam emails and blockchain analysis to trace ransom payments. Individual users should avoid trying to contact the scammers and instead report the emails to assist authorities in investigating.
Can I be targeted by the scam even if I don’t have a webcam on my device?
Yes, the scam email is mass-distributed without regard to whether recipients actually have an integrated webcam. The emails make blanket claims about watching victims through a webcam to stoke privacy fears. Even on devices without a camera, the demanding tone and threats in the scam email can cause panic. Remember the hackers have no actual access and the threats are fake.
The Bottom Line
The “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” scam capitalizes on recipients’ concerns over privacy breaches and account hacking. By demanding Bitcoin ransom to prevent the release of compromising material, the scammers play on people’s fears.
However, a closer look reveals false claims, empty threats, and no actual evidence of stolen data. These emails can be ignored, as any supposed hacking is a complete fabrication. Don’t be manipulated into paying ransoms that only encourage more criminal activity.
With a few precautions, these types of extortion scams can be prevented. Using strong unique passwords, avoiding malware, enabling two-factor authentication, and being aware of social engineering tactics will help you keep your information safe. If a suspicious email arrives, it’s important not to let alarm or uncertainty push you into reckless decisions.
By spotting the warning signs of ransom scams, you can protect yourself and your sensitive data. Don’t allow cyber extortionists to capitalize on fear – being informed is the best defense. Share this information to help others facing this scam 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.
Meet Thomas Orsolya
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.
