(S)extortion email warning
Reports have been received of an extortion email being sent to members of the community.
The email suggests the recipient of the email has been filmed viewing adult content websites and the video will be released unless a payment is made using Bitcoin. This is commonly referred to as cyber (s)extortion.
To attach some validity to the threats, the scammer includes a password which is familiar to you, making you think the threat is real. But although it appears the password may be familiar to the receiver, the information may have resulted from being hacked in a website data breach and in most cases are old email passwords. However, seeing a familiar password can create a sense of panic or fear for the receiver.
If you receive this email, it should be treated like all spam emails and deleted. You should not respond in any way as this validates your email address for the scammer and could be on sold.
Should the receiver have any concerns, all account passwords should be updated immediately.
To avoid becoming a victim of Cyber Crime and how to report these matters, visit the R U in Control page on the Mypolice blog at www.mypolice.qld.gov.au/incontrol
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
