“Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” Email Scam Explained

The internet has enabled new ways for cybercriminals to deceive and extort victims. One common scam tactic is sending threats and blackmail via email. A prevalent email scam claims hackers have compromised your computer and stolen private information. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” scam email. We’ll explore how this scam works, who is behind it, the damage inflicted, and most importantly, how to protect yourself if targeted.

Overview of the “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” Scam

The “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” email scam is a form of sextortion attack that has been circulating since around 2018. This scam starts with an email claiming that the recipient’s device has been infected with malware, allowing the hacker complete access to their computer, webcam, microphone, and personal information.

The email will contain an old password known to the recipient in order to appear more legitimate. The sender then claims that this access was used to secretly record embarrassing or explicit videos of the recipient through their webcam. The email threatens to send these supposed videos to the recipient’s friends, family, coworkers, and social media followers if a ransom is not paid promptly.

The demanded ransom is usually around $950 dollars to be paid in the digital currency Bitcoin. Bitcoin is the preferred payment method of scammers because it allows virtually anonymous payments that cannot be tracked back to the sender.

The email is crafted to cause feelings of violation, fear, embarrassment, and urgency in the recipient. The threats aim to convince the victim that paying the ransom is the only way to prevent the release of the damaging videos being threatened. In reality, the criminals behind the scam never possessed any sensitive material in the first place.

This is a completely fraudulent scam designed to extort money from victims. The sender does not actually have access to the recipient’s accounts, webcam, or any files on their device, nor have they recorded any videos. The entire email is fabricated with no truth behind the threats being made.

Unfortunately, many recipients of this scam email are fooled into paying the ransom out of fear and embarrassment. The scammers know that a small percentage of people will give in to the demands and send money, making the scam highly profitable for the criminals. This extortion scam persists precisely because some victims believe the threats are real and pay out of panic.

This scam is spread through mass distribution, often utilizing huge databases of email addresses and passwords that were compromised in previous data breaches. Very little individual targeting goes on beyond including an old password known to the recipient. The emails are designed for mass distribution across thousands of inboxes, knowing a small fraction of people will take the threats seriously and pay up.

The “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” scam email is the work of international cybercriminal groups, mainly located in West Africa and Eastern Europe. The anonymous nature of the internet and crypto payments makes the criminals behind sextortion scams difficult to track down. They utilize encrypted communications and share data breach information readily through black market sites. By demanding payment through irreversible methods like Bitcoin, the scammers can fully hide behind the anonymity of the internet to run their extortion operations from afar with little risk of legal repercussions.

This scam preys on human fear and embarrassment to defraud victims. If you receive this email, it is important not to panic or pay the ransom. The proper response is reporting the scam to authorities, resetting any exposed passwords, and monitoring accounts closely for any suspicious activity just in case. With the right awareness and actions, this deceptive scam can be mitigated and hopefully shut down entirely in the future.

Here is how the “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” email scam looks:

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:

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!

Anatomy of The “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” Scam

The “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” scam utilizes several deceptive tactics to try convincing recipients to submit payment. Here is how this scam typically operates:

Spoofed Sender Details

The “From” details in the email header are spoofed to appear anonymous or legitimate. Common false names include:

• Anonymous Hackers
• Account Security Team
• Support@yourbank.com
• No-reply@yourISP.com

The scammers attempt to add credibility by matching the sender name to your bank or email provider.

Malware Infection Claims

The email content explains that malware was used to infect your operating system and gain full account access. But it provides dubious technical jargon rather than any specifics.

In reality, this is a mass-sent email with no capability to infiltrate recipients’ devices. Generic malware claims cover for the lack of real hacked content.

Webcam Access Threats

The sender states they used the malware to access your webcam and record explicit videos without your knowledge. Threats to release embarrassing footage to all your contacts are used to incite fear.

Of course, the scammers have no actual video footage. But this threat preys on unease over webcam privacy violations.

Demand for Untraceable Ransom

The email demands payment of $800-$1500 worth of Bitcoin within 1-2 days. Bitcoin is used because it allows essentially anonymous payments.

Victims are given a Bitcoin wallet address to transmit payment. Once sent, Bitcoin transactions are practically impossible to reverse or trace back to a scammer.

Password Inclusion

Some versions state “Your password is XXXXXX”, filling in an old password presumably leaked from a data breach. This aims to add legitimacy as if the account has been compromised.

In reality, the passwords come from massive lists sold on hacker forums. The scammers have no actual access.

Threats to Distribute Content

The recipient is threatened that the footage or stolen documents will be published online or sent to contacts if payment isn’t received in time.

Of course, no files exist to distribute, but fear of exposure is used to coerce victims.

Who is Behind This Scam?

Like many phishing scams, the “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” extortion email originates from cybercriminal groups in West Africa and Eastern Europe. This includes:

• Organized hacking networks in Nigeria and Benin
• Russian, Ukrainian, and Romanian cybercrime rings
• Individual scammers across the region

It is rarely isolated individuals but rather coordinated efforts between multiple bad actors:

• Hackers who acquire massive email lists through data leaks
• Coders who develop the malware used in the phishing emails
• Groups who rent out their malware for a fee
• Scammers who draft the email templates
• Operators who distribute the emails en masse
• Money launderers who convert Bitcoin to cash

Collaboration between groups in different specialties enables maximization of profits. Very little technological sophistication is actually required since nearly all content in the phishing emails is fabricated.

Damages Inflicted by This Scam

This scam persists because it unfortunately proves profitable for cybercriminals who net thousands of victims. Consider some of the damages inflicted:

Financial Loss from Paying

A small percentage of recipients do end up paying the ransom, incurring an average loss of $800-$1500. For active scammers sending millions of emails, these small conversion rates still produce large profits.

Increased Vulnerability to Other Attacks

Anyone who receives this scam email has likely had their login credentials exposed. This increases vulnerability to other phishing scams utilizing the same credentials. Additional security precautions need to be taken.

Emotional Distress

Beyond financials, this scam can inflict anxiety, fear, and distress in recipients from the disturbing threats of privacy violations. Victims may suffer paranoia over webcam hacking or identity theft.

Loss of Productivity

Time is wasted responding to the scam, changing passwords, and addressing security issues. Energy is diverted from normal work activities, hurting productivity.

Spreading of Malware

Some phishing emails contain links to malware download sites or attachments with viruses. Clicking these links or opening infected files leads to malware infection.

How to Protect Yourself from This Scam

Here are important tips to avoid falling victim if you receive an “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” phishing email:

Avoid Panicking and Rushing to Judgement

The email content is meant to incite strong emotions like fear, embarrassment, and urgency. Stay calm and remember the threats are not real. Carefully analyze the situation rather than reacting instantly.

Do Not Pay Any Ransom

Payment only makes the threats become real crimes. The scammers do not actually have files to publish, so paying does nothing besides identify you as a victim.

Check Sender Details

Inspect the full header of the email to identify spoofing. Confirm the “From” address matches the legitimate organization. Look for reply addresses going elsewhere.

Do Not Click Links or Attachments

The email may contain malicious links or file attachments. Never click links or download files unless certain the sender is legitimate.

Talk to Contacts

Discuss the email with friends or family targeted. Chances are they received the exact scam email showing it is not a personal attack.

Report the Email

Forward the scam to your email provider, cybersecurity officials, or the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). This helps prevent spread to others.

Change Exposed Passwords

Treat any password in the email as compromised. Change it immediately, especially for email, financial, and other sensitive accounts. Enable two-factor authentication if available.

Run Security Scans

Run full system scans using updated antivirus and anti-malware tools. This detects any threats that got through existing defenses.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Private Information Scam

This FAQ answers common questions recipients may have about the “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” sextortion email scam.

Is my device really hacked?

No, the claims made in the email about hacking your device or accounts are completely fabricated. No malware or compromising material exists. The threats are meant to scare you.

Can they see me through my webcam?

No, the criminals behind this scam have no capability to access your webcam or computer. The claims are fake and used only to extort money.

How did they get my password?

Old leaked passwords are included in scam emails to appear more realistic. Change any exposed passwords and enable multi-factor authentication for stronger security.

What happens if I pay the ransom?

You will simply fall victim to a scam. The criminals will not provide any actual files or videos after payment. More demands for money may follow.

Should I click links in the email?

No, links in scam emails may direct to malware or other phishing sites. Never click links from unknown or suspicious senders.

Can the scammers actually expose videos of me?

No, since the scammers do not have any sensitive videos or files to expose in the first place. All threats to share content are completely empty.

Why do they demand payment in Bitcoin?

Bitcoin allows virtually anonymous payments that cannot be traced back to the scammers. Traditional payments can be better tracked by authorities to identify/stop criminals.

What should I do if I already paid?

Accept that recouping the money is unlikely since crypto payments are irreversible. Notify relevant financial providers and authorities about the scam. Closely monitor accounts for further suspicious activity.

Can authorities catch the scammers?

International scammers are difficult to track down due to encryption and Bitcoin. But reporting scams helps build cases and prevents further victimization over time.

Conclusion

The “Your Private Information Has Been Stolen” scam can undoubtedly cause distress and uncertainty given the disturbing threats made. But understanding the true intent of bad actors allows recipients to respond appropriately rather than giving in to demands.

This scam thrives on the small percentage of recipients who are deceived. But spreading awareness of this fraudulent tactic helps protect greater numbers from financial loss or emotional harm. With proper precautions, this scam can be reported and discarded without becoming the nightmare scenario depicted.