Cyber criminals are sending victims their own passwords in “scary emails”
Police have warned the public about a new “twist” in cyber scamming.
100’s of people have been targeted in a “sextortion” racket that has been highlighted by the PSNI’s Economic Crime Unit.
It has warned that cyber criminals are sending victims their own passwords in an attempt to trick them into believing they have been filmed on their computer watching porn – and demanding payment.
Action Fraud has also confirmed that more than 110 people have received these “scary emails in a new twist not seen before”.
Action Fraud has contacted several victims who have confirmed that their passwords, which are included in the subject heading of the emails, are genuine and recent.
The emails demand payment in Bitcoin and claim that the victim has been filmed on their computer watching porn.
Police have urged the public to keep safe following Action Fraud’s advice.
Their advice
- Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision: paying only highlights that you’re vulnerable and that you may be targeted again. The police advise that you do not pay criminals.
- Secure it: Change your password immediately and reset it on any other accounts you’ve used the same one for. Always use a strong and separate password. Whenever possible, enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
- Do not email the fraudsters back.
- Always update your anti-virus software and operating systems regularly.
- Cover your webcam when not in use.
Source: belfastlive.co.uk
