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Web Blackmail

Web Blackmail

There has been a sharp increase in the incidence of emails or messages on social media threatening to expose the recipient to everybody in their contacts list, for viewing pornographic online content unless a fee is paid.

Here’s a real example:

There are variations of these mass emails, which often contain poor grammar and spelling and are sent randomly. Some will be less specific alluding to having captured images of them doing some ‘pretty naughty things’ leaving the activity undefined.

Some will include a link to samples of these compromising information, but when you click on the link instead the link contains malware which gives access to your contact list.

The sender know that the knowledge of whether adult material has been viewed or not can result in fear and panic. Sometimes the email will refer to one of your actual emails or passwords which might have been stolen from a previous mass hack.

If you receive a blackmail video threatening exposure for viewing pornographic material or other ‘naughty behaviour’
  • Don’t pay the sum demanded
  • Do not respond
  • Do not click on links in the email
  • Don’t panic: remember that this is a mass email and your system will almost certainly not have been compromised with spyware.
  • If one of your passwords has been correctly quoted in the email, change it immediately on all accounts it is used for.
  • Contact the company or website which it refers to and let them know that your password has been used in this way so that they can investigate.

As the email is an attempt at fraud, you can report it to report@cert.gov.lk.