A new email scam has surfaced, targeting users by falsely claiming to have compromised their webcams and threatening to release illicit footage unless a ransom is paid. The deceptive email often starts with the alarming phrase “Hello pervert” and may even appear to come from the recipient’s own email address, making it seem more credible.
The scam typically alleges that hackers have recorded footage of the victim through their webcam, possibly engaging in inappropriate activities. The attackers demand payment within a certain time frame to prevent the footage from being shared with the victim’s email contacts. To make the threat more convincing, some versions of the scam mention the use of Pegasus spyware or reference old passwords obtained from previous data breaches.
Cybersecurity experts from Malwarebytes strongly urge recipients not to respond to these emails, as doing so confirms that the email address is active, potentially leading to more attempts at fraud. Experts also recommend immediately changing compromised passwords and avoiding any suspicious attachments to prevent malware infections.
Victims have expressed feeling disturbed after receiving these unsettling messages, with many sharing their experiences on social media. Despite the fear these scams generate, cybersecurity specialists emphasize that they are hoaxes, exploiting users’ fears rather than posing genuine threats.
