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FAQs

Should I be worried about a sextortion email? ›

It can be worrying when you first receive a sextortion email, but please follow the appropriate steps to ignore them, and do not send money or bitcoin to the 'professional hackers'. However, there may be personal circ*mstances where sextortion can be real.

Email Spoofing is a type of cyberattack in which a spammer sends an email that appears to come from a legitimate email address, such as your own. The aim is to trick the recipient into thinking that the email is genuine and to click on a link or download a file, often containing malware or phishing scams.

The good news is that there's usually no harm in simply opening an email. When you open an email, your device, and the application you use to read the email will process any content it contains. It is possible for emails to contain malicious scripts which can be triggered by the simple act of opening an email.

Just like you do, if a spammer gains access to the username/password of your email account, they can log in and use your email server to send emails. This is how most spam is sent. Any server can send emails and code can make the reply address say anything.

In some cases, ignoring sextortion may encourage the perpetrator to leave you alone and move on to another victim. But in other scenarios, the sextortionist may escalate their harassment—and in some extreme cases, release or publish the sensitive materials. Simply put: you should never ignore sextortion.

As an ordinary user, you can stop email spoofing by choosing a secure email provider and practicing good cybersecurity hygiene: Use throwaway accounts when registering in sites. That way, your private email address won't appear in shady lists used for sending spoofed email messages in bulk.

Check the box next to the email to select it. Click the “Not spam” button at the top of the page. This will move the email from the spam folder to your inbox. If you want to prevent this from happening in the future, you can add the sender's email address to your list of contacts.

If you open an email from a scammer without interacting with it, it won't infect your machine, but the scammer will be able to gather data to use for targeted cyber attacks. For example, the scammer may be able to gather your IP address, the Operating System (OS) that you use and your location.

Do spam emails know if I open them? ›

Scammers will be able to tell that you opened an email if you download any attachments or click on any links (which you should never do), or if your email client automatically loads any images that are embedded in the message.

In reality, the file is a form of malware, and if you agree to the update, you'll launch that malware. Once launched, it quickly scans your device, collects your sensitive information, and sends it to the cybercriminals. This malware helps the scammers start off the new year with their ideal gift—your personal data!

The Most Hacked Email Providers

Overview: Yahoo Mail has been one of the most targeted email providers in recent years. It experienced massive data breaches in 2013 and 2014, affecting billions of accounts.

Once they gain control of the phone number, they can intercept SMS messages containing one-time passwords (OTPs) used for bank account verification. This can potentially enable unauthorized access to accounts if the bank relies solely on SMS-based 2FA (two-factor authentication).

Most genuine sextortion emails include real evidence. A sextortionist may attach an explicit image, video, or screenshots of your actual messages and correspondences with them. If the email lacks specific proof of the sexual incident in question, it is likely a bluff.

The good news is that most extortionists don't follow through and there are a few key reasons why. If a sextortionist actually publishes the images or video they lose all leverage they had. They will more than likely lose any chance they had at collecting their ransom.

Blackmailers commonly give up when their victim does not respond. In most cases, it is not in their best interest to continue blackmailing you—and most are not motivated to follow through on their threats.

Report all suspicious contacts to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or by calling (877) IDTHEFT. Contact your local law enforcement or Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Office.