Blog/2024-11-03/Unconvincing Threats

A common threat email I receive these days purports to claim that it has secret videos of me watching things I shouldn't be watching: porn. Here's the exact text I've gotten from the spammer.

It's obviously bullshit, but just in case it isn't clear to anyone else who Googles the text and wants information: I have ignored these requests for months now with nothing having happened.

Roshan George,

I know that calling $phone_number or visiting $insert_address_here would be a convenient way to contact you in case you don't act. Don't even try to hide from this. You have no idea what my power is in San Francisco.

It's important you pay attention to this message right now. Take a minute to relax, breathe, and really dig into it. 'Cause we're about to discuss a deal between you and me, and I ain't playing games. You do not know me whereas I know EVERYTHING about you and you must be wondering how, right? Well, you've been treading on thin ice with your browsing habits, scrolling through those videos and clicking on links, stumbling upon some not-so-safe sites. I actually installed a Malware on a porn website and you accessed it to watch(know what I mean?). And while you were busy watching those videos, your smartphone started functioning as a RDP (Remote Control) which gave me total accessibility to your smartphone. I can peep at everything on your display, flick on your camera and mic, and you wouldn't even notice. Oh, and I've got access to all your emails, contacts, and social media accounts too. Been keeping tabs on your pathetic life for a while now. It's just your bad luck that I stumbled across your blunder. I invested in more days than I should have investigating into your life. Extracted quite a bit of juicy info from your system. and I've seen it all. Yeah, Yeah, I've got footage of you doing filthy things in your room (nice setup, by the way). I then developed videos and screenshots where on one side of the screen, there's the videos you were watching, and on the other part, it is you doing naughty things. With just a single click, I can send this filth to every single of your contacts. I feel your worry and confusion. Actually, I am ready to wipe the slate clean, and let you continue with your daily life and wipe your slate clean. I will give you two alternatives. Option 1 is to disregard my message. Let us see what will happen if you pick this path. Your video will get sent to your contacts. The video was lit, and I can't even fathom the humiliation you'll face when your colleagues, friends, and fam see it. But hey, that's life, ain't it? Don't be playing the victim here. Other wise choice is to pay me, and be confidential about it. We’ll call it my “keep the secret charges”. Now let me tell you what will happen if you opt this option. Your dirty secret remains your secret. I'll wipe everything clean once you send payment. You'll send the payment through Bitcoin only. I want you to know I'm aiming for a win-win here. My word is my bond.

Required Amount: USD 2000

My Bitcoin Address:

bc1qwjzt4xj4x436jpey0zg6ut5hn3cu56tmr44j84

Let me tell ya, it's peanuts for your peace. Pay Attention: You got one day to sort this out and I will only accept Bitcoins (I have a unique pixel within this message, and at this moment I know that you have read through this e-mail). My system will catch that Bitcoin payment and wipe out all the dirt I got on you. Don't even think about replying to this or negotiating, it's pointless. The email and wallet are custom-made for you, untraceable. If I catch that you've shared or discussed this message with someone else, your garbage will instantly start getting sent to your contacts. And don't even think about turning off your phone or resetting it to factory settings. It's pointless. I don't make mistakes, Roshan. Honestly, those online tips about covering your camera aren't as useless as they seem. I am waiting for my

payment..