There’s a new scam finding its way into our inboxes but the good news is the allegations are fake and built on a number of assumptions and believable lies.

Recently, we have seen victims receive unsolicited scam emails that attempt to extort money from them. These emails operate on the assumption that you have accessed adult pornography online and threaten to share video evidence unless a ransom is paid in Bitcoin.

We understand that many people privately view adult pornography, but the stigma and shame around private sexual behaviours, and the ‘believability’ of some of these emails, presents the perfect storm.

The embarrassing nature of these emails means that people are more likely to pay ransoms and suffer in silence. The good news is the allegations are fake and built on a number of assumptions and believable lies.

The Stats on Email Scams

• There are 1 trillion phishing emails sent every year.

• Email scams account for about 1 in 10 of all phishing emails, and in the US- the FBI has reported that these crimes rose by 242% last year.

• Confense has detected almost 8m different sextortion emails and over 200m compromised accounts, likely to be targeted.

What does the email look like?

What should I do if I receive one? 

• Don’t panic and take a step back – Stop, Pause and Think.

• Do your research – Copy and paste the text into Google.

• Take action to protect yourself – Think about contacting the police.

• Improve your digital security – Change passwords and check your email security

• Don’t stay silent – Talk to someone or call the samaritans

 

For more detailed advice on what to do if you receive a porn scam email click below to download our guide.