RICK Crouch and Associates warned Highway residents of an e-mail scam currently in circulation.
What has users worried is the subject line includes the recipient’s password or ID number. Rick Crouch said the password could be one that has possibly been used at some point.
“The sender says they have used that password to hack your computer, install malware, and record video of you through your webcam.
“They say they will reveal your adult-website habits and send videos of you to your contacts unless you send them bitcoin, usually $1 200 or $3 800 worth,” said Crouch.
A Dutch security researcher examined a few dozen of the Bitcoin addresses referenced in the e-mails and found that they had received in excess of $50 000 as of 19 July.
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“You will notice that the password referred to is an old password that you may have used years ago. These passwords and user names most likely came from a data breach and have been circulating on the internet for some time. Hoping you’re scared enough to believe their story and send them bitcoin,” said Crouch.
“As the scam develops, there’s a good chance it may include credentials from a fresh breach, which would include updated information. Never ever pay any scammer, once you make that first payment they will never go away,” he warned.
If you are still using the password being referenced in the e-mail, Crouch urged residents to change the password immediately.
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