TECHNOLOGY
Blackmail email scams: how to spot them and protect yourself
If you’re ever unsure about an email’s legitimacy, don’t hesitate to seek advice from cybersecurity professionals or law enforcement.
Blackmail email scams have become increasingly sophisticated, preying on people’s fears and vulnerabilities. These scams often claim to have compromising information or access to your devices, threatening to expose personal details unless a ransom is paid.
However, by understanding how these scams work and taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself from falling victim.
Spotting Blackmail Email Scams
Scammers often use publicly available information to make their threats seem credible. They may include your password from a previous data breach or claim to have sent the email from your own account (a technique called spoofing).
Telltale signs of a scam
- Generic language without specific details about you
- Urgent deadlines to create panic
- Awkward wording or poor grammar
- Claims of hacking your device without concrete proof
- Requests for payment in cryptocurrency
- If the suspected scam is asking for any personal details, never give them. Comapnies like banks or anyone handling money often say they will never ask for personal details under any circumstance.
If you receive a suspicious email:
- Stay calm and don’t panic - most of these emails are bluffs.
- Don’t reply or pay any money.
- Change your passwords, especially if the email mentions one you’ve used.
- Tighten your social media privacy settings to limit publicly accessible information.
- Update your security measures, including antivirus software and enabling two-factor authentication.
- Report the email to your provider and consider reporting to law enforcement for serious cases.
Check if your email or passwords have been part of a data breach using services like “Have I Been Pwned”.
Remember, legitimate blackmailers typically provide concrete evidence of their claims. If the email lacks specifics and relies on vague threats, it’s likely a mass-sent scam.