Email scam demanding bitcoin - fooling the weak.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

Damn, same old. Stories like this unfortunately always tarnish the reputation of bitcoin. People that have no clue of crypto and btc in general often see these stories and what stays in their head is that "criminals use bitcoin", very sad.
But what can we do about this actually? Without losing the last aspects of "privacy", how can we make bitcoin and other currencies less attractive for fraudsters? There is a reason they are using it of course, because it's still the easiest way to get financial transactions fast and "anonymous". Both these things are great for us normal people but even better for the scumbags of the world. 

[Issa56]

The scam attempt seems so simple, yet there are still people who fall for it.

No matter how easy you think a scam strategy is, people are still falling for it, but I don’t think the strategy which you just mentioned is difficult, but I will say it’s dangerous, because the person’s life is already at risk. We have to be careful which the sites which we inputs our details, we shouldn’t just submit our kyc on anyhow website’s, if it’s not really necessary, we should try and avoid it. Because most scammers do end up getting people’s informations on websites.

When we receive mails like this, the first thing which we are suppose to do is just to report to the nearest police station, because the email involves a threat, and we don’t know what the person is really capable of doing anything, the person might end up doing anything if what he requested for is not given.

[Z-tight]

Damn, same old. Stories like this unfortunately always tarnish the reputation of bitcoin. People that have no clue of crypto and btc in general often see these stories and what stays in their head is that "criminals use bitcoin", very sad.

If they say that for this reason and stay away from BTC, then maybe they are dumb and they should indeed stay away, because in my country scammers try to scam people of their fiat on a daily basis. It is either they make a phone call impersonating as a rep of a service, and request that the person sends them their dedit card details, they even do it through sms, hell, they also show up in people's homes with guns and steal their money. They should say 'criminals use fiat more than they use BTC'.

But what can we do about this actually? Without losing the last aspects of "privacy", how can we make bitcoin and other currencies less attractive for fraudsters?

There is nothing we can do, BTC is just a tool, criminals use many other tools as well. People should just learn how to protect themselves from scammers.

[LogitechMouse]

And interesting topic here;
---
The scam attempt seems so simple, yet there are still people who fall for it. It’s a threat, though we don’t always know what kind, but for those who aren’t familiar with the technology, seeing an email where the scammer knows their address and even has a picture could really scare them, not realizing it just came from Google Maps. That’s why people need to be more educated about these kinds of scams and the technology behind them to help minimize cases like this.

When your live is in "trouble", you tend to do something like sending money to these scammers just to keep yourself safe.
Who will be the ones that will fall to this kind of trap? Newbies probably especially those who aren't aware of these cheap tricks that these scammers are using.

It's so simple, but effective at some cases. Unfortunately, there will be people who will fall to this trap for sure. Getting educated is the best way for us not falling to these tricks, but the problem right now is, the internet is full of misinformation, full of so-called gurus misleading these newbie investors that's why it's harder to learn right now compared to what it is a few years ago when I'm still starting. I'm already thinking that having somebody knowledgeable beside you is a must already if you're a newbie, but nevertheless, let's folow what the authorities said to us. Ignore the email, and don't ever think that you're in trouble especially if you don't think that you are.

Scams are everywhere folks. Always be equipped with knowledge, and always learn because everything is evolving, including scammers.

[lionheart78]

And interesting topic here; ..snipped

It is indeed a very interesting topic.  Scammers are really getting bold nowadays.  They really maximize their effort into deceving people and scamming them.  If anyone anonymous or representing an organization that is unknown to us and is demanding a payment, then we all know that it is a scam attempt.  Only people who are naive will fall to that trap.

The scam attempt seems so simple, yet there are still people who fall for it. It’s a threat, though we don’t always know what kind, but for those who aren’t familiar with the technology, seeing an email where the scammer knows their address and even has a picture could really scare them, not realizing it just came from Google Maps. That’s why people need to be more educated about these kinds of scams and the technology behind them to help minimize cases like this.

True, it is a sad thing to think of, people falling to an obvious scam.  I do not know what got into the minds of these people who are trapped and forced/swayed to pay these charges.  Probably it is the lack of information about this type of scam and or they have done something that aligns with the demand to pay.  But whatever it is, thanks @OP in sharing this new scam strategy.

[Churchillvv]

This days the more we try to find solutions to scam attempts the harder it seems to become, we face physical attacks from thiefs and we also face internet thiefs, ignoring the internet scammers is probably the only way one can beat their actions.

The fact that it comes with a kind of authority makes me feel it's probably going to work with some few people because once you get threatened with your family it becomes hard to ignore as the police advised but in whatever we do let's just keep our of reach of scammers by prioritising privacy of everything.

[yhiaali3]

Really interesting, I like that the scammers are nice and only ask for $1950-2000!!! They are very generous and don't want to make their victims suffer too much .

Anyway, the natural reaction would be fear when an unknown person sends you a message with personal information about you, pictures of your house, etc., the victim would not think that it was taken from Google Maps or the Internet if he has not been in a similar situation before.

This method of scamming is much nicer than the ones I have heard about recently where young men break into homes and force victims to give them crypto-related data such as exchange passwords, wallet seeds, etc.

[stadus]

Really interesting, I like that the scammers are nice and only ask for $1950-2000!!! They are very generous and don't want to make their victims suffer too much .

Anyway, the natural reaction would be fear when an unknown person sends you a message with personal information about you, pictures of your house, etc., the victim would not think that it was taken from Google Maps or the Internet if he has not been in a similar situation before.

It’s just a simple scam, if someone takes the bait, they fall right into the trap. They’ve probably studied how much to ask for, just enough to seem affordable so people will pay quickly. The ones behind this are smart, like businessmen, so we need to be even smarter to avoid getting scammed.

This method of scamming is much nicer than the ones I have heard about recently where young men break into homes and force victims to give them crypto-related data such as exchange passwords, wallet seeds, etc.

It’s getting serious-----scams like this are literally leading to deaths, so I hope it never happens to us. Maybe the key is not to make our information too public, especially if we have crypto, because a lot of eyes are watching.

Keeping a low profile in your social media and your actual life is important as it helps you to boost your privacy level and, in the coming era you'll realize how badly your data can be used to threaten you, scam you, and even blackmail won't be surprising. This is especially true when it comes to sensitive matters like Bitcoin holdings and other asset data. The fewer people who know about your assets and personal details, the more secure and protected you'll be in the long run

That’s a good suggestion...it's best to keep a low profile, especially if we have significant crypto holdings. Let those who brag do their thing, since some of them just want to attract people to invest so they can scam them. We don’t need to follow that path if it’s not our style.

[pinggoki]

The fact that they're using the same tactic as any blackmail out there that's much more banking on fear is probably the reason why it's so effective in getting these scammers what they want after all, every person out there has some kind of secret that embarrass them after all and I think that it will work on anyone, you just need the right triggers to scam someone. It's such a sad and angering thing for me that this is still happening right now but when you look at it this way, there's always the fact that malice in people will always be there no matter how much we want to deal with it to the point of eradication, being vigilant and practicing information security is probably your best bet on this kind of stuff.

[Reatim]

Scammers have included a QR code for the intended payment and falsely claim that Pegasus malware has been installed on the victim’s computer.

I understand that it can be scary since the scammers know too much about the victim. But data like this can be found on the internet easily. So don’t immediately assume that these scammers have some kind of special or unique ability to incriminate you or put you in danger. If you really are that scared then go and report this not pay immediately.

The scam attempt seems so simple, yet there are still people who fall for it.

Most likely it is old people who are easily scared and fooled by technology. No matter what your age is, we still should remain vigilant and educated about these kind of things.

[Faisal2202]

The scam attempt seems so simple, yet there are still people who fall for it. It’s a threat, though we don’t always know what kind, but for those who aren’t familiar with the technology, seeing an email where the scammer knows their address and even has a picture could really scare them, not realizing it just came from Google Maps. That’s why people need to be more educated about these kinds of scams and the technology behind them to help minimize cases like this.

If I will receive such email, I will also be feared and might have sent them some funds, but I will take some suggestions from other experts, like from this community first and I know I will be guided right and I will be safe. The bluff of Pegasus malware, which is Israeli spyware and it spys on your device either IOS or Android, is the latest news in Hezbullah you might have heard of where the pagers got destroyed remotely by pre installed viruses and the media is claiming Israel is behind them.

Point is such viruses can be really frightening, and a simple, non-tech savvy dude like me can easily fall prey to these phishing links but thanks for sharing it because now I won't fall prey to this scam in case I receive such mails. We all should not take quick actions to these emails, like AFAIK they can easily have done the harm if they have installed the Pegasus virus, as they already be knowing our seed phrases.

[_BlackStar]

The scam attempt seems so simple, yet there are still people who fall for it. It’s a threat, though we don’t always know what kind, but for those who aren’t familiar with the technology, seeing an email where the scammer knows their address and even has a picture could really scare them, not realizing it just came from Google Maps. That’s why people need to be more educated about these kinds of scams and the technology behind them to help minimize cases like this.

Especially when there are threats of bodily harm or something like that - I think it's natural for some people to be afraid. You're absolutely right - people need to be educated about scams that involve threats, they need to know what they should be able to do without worrying.

Some people may try to find a good solution by reporting it to the police - but if they panic and think the threat is real, then the damage will be done to them and the scammer will be happy about it. Scammers are really crazy sometimes and they will find the weak to prey on. Hopefully we and all users involved in this thread will be kept away from all forms of fraud attempts from irresponsible people.

[lovesmayfamilis]

Good thing I don't check my email often, so I'm safe from this kind of scam. Just kidding.

Seriously though, this is a huge problem, and the blame really falls on the government. How can people, especially those with money who are clueless about crypto or these specific scams, protect themselves? We all grow older (that’s just reality), but we shouldn’t stop learning.

Nowadays, being old isn’t an excuse to stay out of touch with the latest technology trends. That’s the only way we can prevent ourselves from falling for these scams, and the government has a big role in educating everyone.

There is another question: how can people who do not know about cryptocurrency pay the scammers what they ask for?

If we talk about where the scammers get their addresses and other things that should be related to confidentiality, then look at the data of Americans that are now being sold or have already been posted on the dark net to carry out such fraudulent operations.

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hackers-leak-27-billion-data-records-with-social-security-numbers/

[ABCbits]

Good thing I don't check my email often, so I'm safe from this kind of scam. Just kidding.

Seriously though, this is a huge problem, and the blame really falls on the government. How can people, especially those with money who are clueless about crypto or these specific scams, protect themselves? We all grow older (that’s just reality), but we shouldn’t stop learning.

Nowadays, being old isn’t an excuse to stay out of touch with the latest technology trends. That’s the only way we can prevent ourselves from falling for these scams, and the government has a big role in educating everyone.

There is another question: how can people who do not know about cryptocurrency pay the scammers what they ask for?

Those criminal usually include guide how to buy Bitcoin and then send it to them. But looking at example of the email scam on https://nordvpn.com/blog/pegasus-email-scam/ and https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/online-security/new-sextortion-scam-combines-stolen-data-to-target-victims-directly, this email scam doesn't include a guide.

[dunfida]

The fact that they're using the same tactic as any blackmail out there that's much more banking on fear is probably the reason why it's so effective in getting these scammers what they want after all, every person out there has some kind of secret that embarrass them after all and I think that it will work on anyone, you just need the right triggers to scam someone. It's such a sad and angering thing for me that this is still happening right now but when you look at it this way, there's always the fact that malice in people will always be there no matter how much we want to deal with it to the point of eradication, being vigilant and practicing information security is probably your best bet on this kind of stuff.

And of course you should really be having that common sense on which this would really be primarily be needing up if we do tend to deal up with something. You could really tell that on how the heck people do really fall
unto these obvious scams on which if you do really look up closely or mind throughly on which it is really just that too obvious that they are really just that trying out to scam you. The bad thing on here is that if there
are really certain informations would really be that leaked out like your secret videos or any other things that you do really keep it as a secret or able to locked up some important files on your computer, then it would really be leading up no choice for you to but to pay up something. Email scams are already that long time busted but still surprisingly there were still people who do get victimized with these basic things.

This is why if you do really have some important files or even with your crypto wallets into your desktop or whatever files you do have then its always been that recommended that you shouldnt really be
careless on clicking up random links no matter what it is, as long you do know where's the source. Usually people do end up on such scenario or situation just because they are really that
too careless on clicking things up around and the moment that they are really that realizing that they are in danger then this is where they would be able to find out on what they had done earlier.

[DeathAngel]

I know some of these type of scam attempts look potentially legitimate but you can usually always tell. Look deeper into the message, there’s usually some type of spelling mistakes or grammatical errors somewhere. I have to admit I have never & am extremely unlikely to ever fall for unsolicited email scams.

[dificanovi]

The scam attempt seems so simple, yet there are still people who fall for it. It’s a threat, though we don’t always know what kind, but for those who aren’t familiar with the technology, seeing an email where the scammer knows their address and even has a picture could really scare them, not realizing it just came from Google Maps. That’s why people need to be more educated about these kinds of scams and the technology behind them to help minimize cases like this.

This kind of fraud is very simple and it seems impossible for us to believe in fraud like this, if someone is fooled by a motive like this I think he is a layman. Hopefully this information can help people who are new to Bitcoin. Whatever email is in our email inbox, we must understand from the email we receive if there is a fraudulent motive like this, it is better to press the "Report spam" menu as soon as possible and then delete the email.

[Z-tight]

If I will receive such email, I will also be feared and might have sent them some funds,

It is okay to be scared if you receive this kind of email, but sending the blackmailer money is not a solution, sending them money just opens the door for them to continue asking you for more money, until you eventually give up, so it is better not to even start sending them money from the beginning. If i receive such as email, i would immediately delete it without responding to it and you should do the same too.

[Ale88]

So they target people who put their details on their Google accounts and tag them on Google Maps? Damn, even if there's no blackmail attempts through e-mails I'd be worried for their safety. Sounds like these people don't have a good knowledge about privacy and security in the first place.

How did the scammers know the images are related to their target btw? Do people upload their location details publicly? A bad idea to put our real name and photo on Google. It's hard to make sure no personal details are leaked.

I was wondering the same thing: even if you have an email address made using the full first and last name, how do you know where that guy lives? My idea is that maybe they found some kind of database online with all these info, simply having an email address wouldn't help, it would be too generic. If there is a hack/leak from some website then it's easier to do.

[rhodelmabanal]

And interesting topic here;

Randolph police warn of new email scam demanding bitcoin

RANDOLPH — Police are alerting the community about a new scam involving threatening emails that demand bitcoin payments after victims received messages containing their personal information and photos of their homes.

The Randolph Police Department reported an increase in complaints from residents who have received emails, mostly from gmail.com accounts, that use the victims’ full names and addresses.

The emails include images that appear to be taken from online mapping applications, such as Google Maps, depicting the street or front yard of the targeted individuals.

According to the authorities, the emails have a threatening tone and demand a bitcoin payment, typically in the amount of either $1,950 or $2,000.

Scammers have included a QR code for the intended payment and falsely claim that Pegasus malware has been installed on the victim’s computer.

Police emphasized that recipients of such emails should not respond.

The recommended action is to immediately move the email to the spam folder and then delete it to avoid further risk.

The department urges anyone who receives a similar email or has questions to contact the Randolph Police Department at 781-963-1212 for assistance and support in dealing with the scam.

The scam attempt seems so simple, yet there are still people who fall for it. It’s a threat, though we don’t always know what kind, but for those who aren’t familiar with the technology, seeing an email where the scammer knows their address and even has a picture could really scare them, not realizing it just came from Google Maps. That’s why people need to be more educated about these kinds of scams and the technology behind them to help minimize cases like this.

Thanks for reminding us about this kind of scam there are so many unique ways to scam people now a days that is why we need to be more careful, we need to inform everyone about this scam to make them aware of it, most of thier victim is a newbie that has no experienced yet, i hope they will know or see this before its too late, it is a big frustration if we get scammed specially when the money is from our hard work so I think we need to double check every action we made using the internet.