It may be hard to understand why someone would target you with a sextortion email, but it is necessary to realize the confusion these emails are creating globally. If you are a victim and find yourself asking, “Why did I get a sextortion email” this blog post is for you. Keep reading for all these answers and more ahead.
The Legitimacy of Sextortion Emails
The first and most important thing to understand is that these emails are scams. While they may appear genuine and contain some personal information about you, there is no actual evidence of compromising footage, and the sender has no intention of releasing anything.
In fact, they often use software to generate fake evidence and create a sense of urgency or fear in the recipient. This is known as phishing, and its sole purpose is to extort money from unsuspecting victims. So, while these emails can be distressing and alarming, it is essential to remember that they are not genuine. Below, we listed some common examples of sextortion emails sent to victims.
- Example one: I am a member of a hacking group, and we infiltrated your device. We recorded you visiting some sensitive websites and have all the evidence. We even have recordings of your sexual activities while streaming from these sites. We are allowing you to make it right by transferring $1100 worth of Bitcoin. Otherwise, we will send these recordings to all your contacts.
- Example 2: I am writing to inform you that I hacked your laptop and have an explicit video of you performing shameful acts. If you do not transfer $500 worth of Bitcoin to this address within 24 hours, I will send the video to your family and friends. Do not bother informing the authorities; our location cannot be tracked.
Reasons for Receiving a Sextortion Email
There are several reasons you may have received a sextortion email. One common explanation is that your email was exposed to a cyber-attack or data breach. If you use the same login details across multiple platforms, these hackers can access your email and send out these emails to your contacts. Additionally, if you have recently signed up for a new website or service, your email address may have been sold or shared with third-party marketers, who then use it to send out these phishing emails.
Another common explanation is the use of AI technology, which scours social media and other online platforms for personal information and then creates tailored emails designed to trick the recipient. These emails may include your name, social media profiles, and even your contacts list, making them feel more authentic and targeted. It is essential to keep your online accounts as secure as possible to prevent getting targeted by sextortion emails.
Handling Sextortion Emails
If you receive a cyber sextortion email, the most important thing to do is not panic. Remember that it is a fake email with no evidence of compromising footage, so you are not in immediate danger. Resist the urge to respond or send any money, as this will only encourage the scammers to continue their activities.
Instead, check to see if your data has been breached on site, like have I been pwned. If anything comes up, it is best to change any passwords associated with the account. It can also be beneficial to block and report these types of emails. Follow the specific guidelines on blocking based on the email platform used. You can report the email to the Federal Trade Commission and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Summary
With the rise of sextortion emails increasing the probability of falling victim to phishing scams, it is essential now more than ever to keep your online accounts secure. Remember, sextortion emails are a scam, and there is no actual evidence of compromising footage or information. Stay calm, delete the email, report it as spam, and contact support services if needed. Keep an eye on your online activity and use unique login details for each platform. Report any suspicious activity and stay safe online.
If you need additional information on “Why did I get a sextortion email?” reach out to Digital Forensics today and report sextortion to our 24/7 sextortion helpline. Our team is leading the way in fighting back against these criminals. Talk to an agent right away to get the help you need.
