Background

Scammers are emailing people and falsely claiming they have hacked into their computers or webcams and have access to compromising images and videos of them. These emails also include threats claiming they will release the images and videos unless they’re paid. They include personal details such as birth dates and addresses in the emails to intimidate people into sending them money.

How to Spot the Scam

You receive unexpected contact from someone claiming to have compromising information about you.

They threaten you and demand payment, or the information will be released.

You are pressured by them to act quickly to avoid embarrassment and reputational damage.

How the Scam Works

Scammers send you an email falsely claiming that your computer or webcam has been hacked and that compromising images or videos of you have been recorded.

They threaten to release these compromising images or videos if they aren’t paid cryptocurrency to a specified address.

The emails may include your birth date, an old password, full name and, in some cases, mobile number and home address. This makes them seem more real.

What You Should Know

If you receive emails like this, don’t respond and don’t pay any money.

There is no evidence that the scammers who send these emails have access to your webcam or computer.

The personal details contained in the emails have most likely come from previous public data breaches.

If You’ve Been Affected 

If you’ve had money stolen, contact your bank or financial institution immediately. 

If you’ve had personal information stolen or need help to recover from a scam, contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160. 

Help others by reporting scams to Scamwatch.