I've reported this scam before, but it keeps reappearing in new clothing.
This is the one I got today:
I Chopped Your Devices
Yes, folks, that was the actual subject matter of the email. Where does "chopped" come from? Is it a literal translation from a foreign language? Who knows?
Hi! As you may have noticed, I sent you an email from your account. This means that I have full access to your devices and accounts. I've been watching you for a few months now. The fact is that you were infected with malware through an adult site that you visited. If you are not familiar with this, I will explain. Trojan Virus gives me full access and control over a computer or other device. This means that I can see
More...
everything on your screen, turn on the camera and microphone, but you do not know about it. I also have access to all your contacts and all your correspondence. Why your antivirus did not detect malware? Answer: My malware uses the driver, I update its signatures every 4 hours so that your antivirus is silent. I made a video showing how you satisfy yourself in the left half of the screen, and in the right half you see the video that you watched. With one click of the mouse, I can send this video to all your emails and contacts. If you want to prevent this, transfer the amount of $727 to my bitcoin address (if you do not know how to do this, write to Google: "Buy Bitcoin"). My bitcoin address (BTC Wallet) is: 12yCNJHAwda8Kgxv9DswpS9k16XnstSqcJ After receiving the payment, I will delete the video and you will never hear me again. I give you 48 hours to pay. I have a notice reading this letter, and the timer will work when you see this letter. Filing a complaint somewhere does not make sense because this email cannot be tracked like my bitcoin address. I do not make any mistakes. If I find that you have shared this message with someone else, the video will be immediately distributed.
It's all nonsense, of course. It's the easiest thing in the world to use the recipient's email address in an Outlook email. Just click the dropdown next to From: and fill it in. Duh.
And no, software can't take over your webcam and secretly record you.
But Here's the Thing
It might be coincidence, but here's an email I received a little over two hours later.
Keep unwanted lurkers from spying through your webcam
HIGH-QUALITY WEBCAM COVER SHUTTER
WebCam Cover Shutter keeps unwanted lurkers from spying through your webcam. The small cover has a shutter that can be moved from open (when you want to video chat with someone) to closed (when you want to be safe and private) in an instant. Use it on your computer's webcam or on your phone.
Features:
ā¢Camera cover for computers, laptops & smartphones
ā¢Small, sleek design
ā¢The shutter can be moved from open to closed with one simple push
ā¢High-quality and long-lasting material
ORDER YOURS TODAY AT A 50% DISCOUNT
I checked out the product. It looks like a bit of cardboard and it's discounted by 50% to $12.66. Low enough that I imagine they'll get plenty of sales from people spooked by the previous message.
What I'm wondering though is whether this is just an example of someone seizing a market opportunity or is it two opportunists working together?
As usual, I'd love to hear what you think. You can leave your comments below (underneath my profile).
