Scare Tactic – Google Street View of User’s Address for Ransom (9/6/2024)
Phishing scare tactics are on the rise. One of the most recent phishing scam tactics includes phishers sending you an email with a Google Map Street-view photo of your apartment/house or an old house location. The email claims they have installed a virus on your phone/computer. They are scaring you into paying a ransom.
The phishers have likely NOT installed a virus on your computer or phone.
How is this happening? There have been several data breaches within the past year (Example: https://www.securityweek.com/unconfirmed-hack-of-2-9-billion-records-at-national-public-data-sparks-media-frenzy-amid-lawsuits/) These data breaches include personal information such as your current/previous addresses and email addresses. Phishers are using this information to scare individuals into paying the ransom.
Example of the email below. I’ve removed any personal information (I used the White House Address as an example for this email).
Jane Doe
Is visiting 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500 a better way to contact if you don’t take action
Look familiar?
I suggest you read this message carefully. Take a minute to relax, breathe, and really diginto it. ‘Cause we’re about to discuss a deal between you and me, and I don’t play games. You do not know anythingabout me however I know you very well and you must be thinkinghow, right?
Well, You’ve been treading on thin ice with your browsing habits, scrolling through those filthy videos and clicking on links, stumbling upon some not-so-safe sites. I installed a Spyware called “Pegasus” on a app you frequently use. Pegasus is a spyware that is designed to be covertly and remotely installed on mobile phones runnin giOS and Android. When you were watching those videos, your smartphone began operating as a RDP (Remote Device) which provided me total control over your device. I can peep at everythingon your screen, flick on your cam and mic, and you wouldn’t have a clue. Oh, and I have got access to all your emails, contacts, and social media accounts too.
What did I do?
Been keeping tabs on your pathetic life for a while now. It’s just your hard luck that I noticed your blunder. I invested in more days than I probably should have investigating into your life. Extracted quite a bit of juicy info from your system. and I’ve seen it all. Yeah, Yeah, I’ve got footage of you doing embarrassing things in your room (nice setup, by the way). I then developed videos and screenshots where on one side of the screen, there’s the videos you had been watching, and on the other part, its someone doing nasty things. With just a single click, I can send this garbage to every single of your contacts.
What can you do?
I see you are getting anxious, but let’s get real. In good faith, I am ready to wipe the slate clean, and allow you to continue with your daily life and forget you ever existed. I am going to provide you two alternatives. Either ignore this notice (not recommended) or pay me a small fee to end this mattter forever. Let’s investigate these 2 options in more detail. First Option is to turn a deaf ear my email. Let me tell you what will happen if you pick this option. Your video will get sent to your contacts. The video was lit, and I can’t even fathom the embarrasement you’ll endure when your colleagues, friends, and fam watch it. But hey, that’s life, ain’t it? Don’t be playing the victim here.
Wise Second Option is to pay me, and be confidential about it. We’ll call it my “keep the secret fee”. Now Lets see what will happen when you pick this path. Your dirty secret remains your secret. I’ll destroy all the data and evidence once you send payment. You have to make the payment via Bitcoins only. I want you to know I’m aiming for a win-win here. My promises are non-negotiable.
Transfer Amount: $1950
My BTC Address: SCAM Bitcoin Address
Or, (Here is your Bitcoin QR code, you can scan it):
<QR CODE REMOVED>
Let me tell ya, it’s peanuts for your peace.
And of course: You have one day to transfer the amount. (I’ve a unique pixel within this e-mail, and now I know that you’ve read this email). My system will catch that Bitcoin payment and wipe out all the dirt I got on you. Don’t even think about this, it’s pointless. The email and wallet are custom-made for you, untraceable. I don’t make mistakes. If I catch that you’ve shared or discussed this mail with someone else, your shitty video will instantly start getting sent to your contacts. And don’t even think about turning off your phone or resetting it to factory settings. It’s pointless.
Honestly, those online tips about covering your camera aren’t as useless as they seem.
Don’t dwell on it. Take it as a little lesson and keep your guard up in the future.