Why are we falling for this shitty scam?

It is true that none of us are safe from falling into the trap of a real hacker who steals sensitive data and can demand a ransom from us to get it back, but on other occasions, like in poker, they will completely bluff and they will not even be hackers, otherwise shitty scammers who use fear to try to get someone to pay them money.

“I hacked your PC”

The Internet Security Office warns of a fraudulent email campaign in which victims are extorted to pay an amount of money using cryptocurrencies. The reason for this ransom payment is the alleged hacking of the victim’s computer and the threat of exposing sensitive personal data that could damage the victim’s reputation and cause damages that cost more than the requested payment.

As demonstrated by the crudeness of the supposed hacking evidence, there is an almost 100% chance that in reality your computer was not infected and neither have your contactsthere is also no intimate video, this is the excuse they use to scare you into agreeing to their demands for payment.

“I installed a virus in your system which allows me to control all your devices connected to the Internet, which was not difficult with your protection. Virus software allows me to control your devices (microphone, video camera, keyboard, I have uploaded all your information, data, photographs, history of visited websites to my server, I have access to all your messaging apps, social networks, emails, chat history and contact list.

“I had an idea, a video with you masturbating on one side of the screen and a porn video on the other. These videos are very popular and in one click I can send them to your contacts”.

Of course, you better take a look to see if your computer really could have been compromised by some type of malware and, if so, disinfect it with a computer security solution.

If in the body of the email you see that a valid password is shared, perform the necessary steps to restore it, but don’t think the alleged hack has any more credibility. This password may have been exposed in a massive leak and collected by third parties in an attempt to extort another hacker’s work.

Tips to avoid these frauds and scams

In addition to being wary of these emails and the shitty evidence they present to us in an attempt to legitimize the hack, the OSI shares a series of recommendations to increase the security of your accounts and your equipment and avoid falling for these frauds and scams by giving them less credibility.

1. If you receive emails that you didn’t request or from strangers, don’t open them and delete them.
2. Keep all your devices and antivirus up to date.
3. Under no circumstances should you send contact data or forward mail; In this way, you will help prevent the spread of fraud.
4. Improve the security of your passwords and do not use the same one for all the online services you use.
5. If in doubt, consult directly with state security forces and bodies, the Internet Security Office or INCIBE.

In the event that you have agreed to blackmail and have already made some type of payment to save your allegedly compromised data, collect all the evidence you have (screenshots, emails, messages, etc. ) and contact state security forces and bodies to file a complaint.