What to do if you are the target of a threatening email

Steps to take if you receive threatening or blackmail emails

If you receive a threatening or blackmail email (example below), there are several recommended steps that you should take:

1) Don't pay ransom money. There is no guarantee that they will delete any information that they have, or demand more money later. You are guaranteed to lose that money though.

2) Scan your computer(s) for viruses. If your information was compromised by a virus/keylogger you want to be sure to clear that out before resetting your passwords. MERIT can assist with scanning School of Education computers.

3) Change your passwords. If you don't use a unique password for every login, you will want to be sure to change your passwords on every site that uses the same password. If a website that you logged into was compromised, that could be how the attacker got your information.

4) Notify the Office of Cybersecurity via their webform or email.

If you have any further questions or concerns, you can also contact the MERIT help desk by email or phone (608)265-4773.

Example of a threatening/blackmail email:

From: Bad Person
Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2019 10:17 AM
To: You
Subject: (Your username and password)

I am well aware xxxxxxx is your passphrases. Lets get right to point. Not one person has compensated me to investigate you. You may not know me and you're probably thinking why you're getting this e-mail?

in fact, i placed a software on the 18+ videos (sex sites) site and guess what, you visited this site to have fun (you know what i mean). When you were watching video clips, your internet browser initiated operating as a Remote Desktop with a keylogger which gave me accessibility to your screen as well as web cam. after that, my software program obtained every one of your contacts from your Messenger, Facebook, as well as e-mailaccount. and then i made a video. First part displays the video you were viewing (you've got a nice taste hahah), and 2nd part displays the view of your cam, and it is you.

You will have not one but two possibilities. Why dont we look at each of these solutions in details:

1st alternative is to skip this e-mail. as a result, i am going to send your very own video recording to every single one of your personal contacts and thus consider regarding the humiliation you experience. and as a consequence if you are in a romantic relationship, precisely how it will certainly affect?

Next choice should be to pay me USD 969. Lets refer to it as a donation. in this situation, i will without delay eliminate your videotape. You could go on your life like this never occurred and you surely will never hear back again from me.

You will make the payment through Bitcoin (if you don't know this, search 'how to buy bitcoin' in Google).

BTC address to send to: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[case SeNSiTiVe copy and paste it]

if you are curious about going to the authorities, look, this e-mail cannot be traced back to me. I have taken care of my actions. i am just not looking to ask you for a huge amount, i just like to be compensated. i have a specific pixel within this email message, and now i know that you have read through this email. You have one day to pay. if i don't get the BitCoins, i will send out your video to all of your contacts including members of your family, co-workers, etc. Having said that, if i do get paid, i will erase the recording immediately. if you need evidence, reply with Yeah then i will certainly send your video to your 8 contacts. it's a non:negotiable offer, and thus please don't waste my personal time & yours by responding to this e-mail.

Keywords:

email, threat, ransom, phish, spam, scam, blackmail

Doc ID:

89977

Owned by:

Jason E. in School of Education

Created:

2019-02-25

Updated:

2020-05-21

Sites:

School of Education

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