There’s a Blackmailing Email Scam Flooding Inboxes Everywhere—Here’s How to Protect Yourself

Email scams are constantly evolving, with scammers targeting people of all backgrounds every day. The latest threat: blackmailing email scams. Some email scams, like blackmailing emails, resurface with new tactics designed to trick unsuspecting victims. This has been the case yet again with a “personalized and threatening” email that has many victims (including myself when I received a message) turning to places like Reddit for answers—but these forums can be confusing. Keep reading to learn the definitive way to recognize and avoid blackmailing email scams, and what steps to take if one appears in your inbox.

What is the blackmailing email scam?

In many of these blackmailing email scams, the message catches your attention because of its subject line: your name. The contents of the email usually include your name, a phone number and an address. (In my case, it was a prior address, which immediately seemed suspicious to me).

But the key to the scam appears to be the PDF attached to the email. Some Reddit users shared what their PDF contained after opening the attachment, while others were able to read what it included via the preview feature. In one thread, a user attached an image of said PDF, which states, “I know that visiting [victim’s address] would be a more effective way to reach if you don’t act. Nice neighborhood btw.” A photo of the victim’s residence is also featured. Chilling.

Sometimes, the scammer is far more direct in their approach and includes the threat in the body of the message. The Logan Police Department in Utah provided an example to KTVX: “I know that calling [victim’s personal phone number] or visit [an address related to the victim] would be a better way to have a chat with you, in case you don’t take action. Don’t try to escape from this. You’ve no idea what I’m capable of.”

In yet another variation, recipients receive a message that starts with the jarring “Hey pervert.” The scammer then makes a claim that they have webcam footage of the victim watching adult content on their device, reports The Independent.

Why is the blackmailing email scam being done?

Just like many scams before it, the attacker is interested in money—and they believe a blackmailing threat is the only way to get it. In the case of the example provided by the police department, the scammer says a computer virus has been installed on the device that has allowed them to keep tabs on you and collect embarrassing information.

The only way to protect your privacy (or so they want you to believe): Pay them $2,000 in Bitcoin or they won’t delete the potentially incriminating content.

In another Reddit thread, one user shared they were threatened using the webcam approach. Their scammer included a QR code in the message and said the victim had 24 hours to pay $1,950.

According to Carnegie Mellon University, these are all examples of an extortion scam, “where someone threatens, coerces, or blackmails the victim into providing a form of payment or service.” The targets here: Unsuspecting email users! (Click through to read more about another recent scam affecting residents).

What to do if you receive a blackmailing scam email?

The first thing you should do if you’re the target of one of these emails? Don’t panic! No matter how threatening the email may seem, the scammer doesn’t have any damaging information on you.

Very importantly: Never send money in response to a blackmailing email scam. Scammers rely on fear and urgency to pressure victims into paying.Recognizing that this is an empty threat will keep you from taking a financial hit.

Finally, it’s best not to reply to the email at all, even though you know it’s from a scammer. Otherwise, it could alert them that it is an active account and encourage them to make you a future target for other scams. Simply report the message as phishing if you can, then delete it from your inbox.

How to avoid the scam

Though it’s impossible to entirely prevent yourself from being targeted by an email scam, being vigilant is a great place to start. Avoid opening any attachments or links sent to you, especially if they come from an unknown contact.

Many of those targeted in this scam had some of their personal information—even if it’s outdated—leaked in data breaches. Utilizing online identity theft protection (whether you paid for it yourself or were offered it for free through your employer or bank) can alert you to any suspicious activity.

Also smart: As the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency suggests, “Never provide your personal information in response to an unsolicited request.” This includes both over the phone and via email. (Click through for more tips to avoid online scams).

Staying alert to scams like these and taking steps to protect your personal information will help you keep safe!