How to identify scams like "Malware On Porn Website"
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of scam is "Malware On Porn Website"?
While examining the email, we discovered that it is a scam commonly referred to as a sextortion scam. The scammers behind such emails usually aim to extort money from recipients by claiming that they have obtained some humiliating or similar material. Any claims in such emails are false and should be ignored.
More about the "Malware On Porn Website" scam email
There are multiple variants of this scam email. However, most of them are more or less similar. In these sextortion scam emails, the scammer claims to have installed malware (e.g., Pegasus spyware) on a porn website, which the recipient supposedly visited. The malware allegedly enabled the scammer to access the recipient's display and webcam, capturing video footage of them.
The scammer states to have created a split-screen video showing the recipient watching adult content and engaging in explicit acts. The scammer offers two options: ignore the email, which will result in the video being sent to all of the recipient's contacts, or pay $950 (the amount may differ in different email variants - examples below) in Bitcoin to keep the video private.
These emails warn the recipient to act within 12 hours to avoid the alleged consequences. It is also worth mentioning that in some cases scammers send empty emails containing a PDF document or other file with a threatening message. This is being done to avoid spam detection. Such emails are designed to manipulate recipients into paying money. They should be ignored to avoid monetary loss or other issues.
| Name | Malware On Porn Website Email Scam |
| Threat Type | Sextortion Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | The sender has infected the recipient's computer and recorded humiliating videos |
| Cyber Criminal Cryptowallet Addresses | 18UmMNAr9ergjRT2h5Q6XmSYhJFYnWgs87, 1HK5ueWpTSn3KudbCHjUVTGbxmAkVXNQZZ, 1KamYLWnh6gFrhcEygjMNKpfkm1EqSUCwZ, 1NakEoFQwPD1YApFaLquZ14kcPRHSDqAdh, 13RjvJgzT8PoBLzMPLBsQMTk1hMfFjNpZE, 1NCfwFacv73jopQxVh4J139yntvbR5n9sH, 13rXk6ffSwKoi2vzu5As7cySwNpRA6Pjp1, 13sCasK1hhFW9XAZZE7NfT9HGsFVeSZFG4, 15iMD7GfBbSqbRz558k3FAQZDzfX6SVyjF, 1ExMc33Zes1UeXymnQRngK1Nitj6BmTd35, 1JWNd91oexfbf6RBJcJoxWGKCyFSgpAndE, 1A5bHUpbTPubgxcGSMYohHgSPUEPCSSy8P, 1AdJZzQaGHhf4Ya2EiouYi4PTRkWtFMdXx, 19z2f22Erk28avpVCDmdFn7vfRFB8fYCXH, 16yaxtuhyT6cNPyZNWdv29GaDidcC6zcB2, 19CWfSrrqfr3pNDjJTBPf3JiUVYExC4iMx, 1HT4jMEmjVNga3411xVgFhB2xmdrG1j2En, 1dQyyzyiMPpz8q68YmcDpqeAf9bveXFQ3, 1LJ9LK7F7W5yPr1TYzbNNz8btAzUHYvEbK |
| Symptoms | Unauthorized online purchases, changed online account passwords, identity theft, illegal access of the computer. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive emails, rogue online pop-up ads, search engine poisoning techniques, misspelled domains. |
| Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Similar scam emails in general
Sextortion scam emails attempt to extort money by claiming to have compromising information or other material. The scammers behind them use fear tactics, such as threats of releasing fake videos to contacts, to pressure the recipient into paying a ransom (usually in cryptocurrency). Recipients should recognize such emails and never respond to them or take other actions that may benefit the scammers.
Some examples of similar emails are "Your System Has Been Cracked Email Scam", "News That's Not Very Cheerful Email Scam", and "I Compromised Your Operating System Email Scam". It is important to mention that emails can be used to distribute malware.
How do spam campaigns infect computers?
Recipients of fraudulent emails used to deliver malware can infect computers through malicious attachments or links. Attached files (e.g., executables, MS Office documents, PDF files, archives, or JavaScript files) can inject malware after they are opened or additional actions are taken (e.g., macros commands in malicious MS Office documents are enabled).
Links in such emails can open websites designed to trick users into downloading malware. Also, these sites can be designed to download harmful files or programs without user interaction.
How to avoid installation of malware?
Carefully inspect emails before opening any attachments or clicking on links, especially if the emails are unexpected or from unknown senders. Download software and files only from official websites and app stores. Steer clear of alternative sources and avoid downloading cracking tools, key generators, and pirated programs.
Do not trust advertisements, pop-ups, or similar content on suspicious websites. Regularly update all software and your operating system, and scan your computer for threats using a reputable security solution. If you have already opened malicious attachments, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.
Text presented in of the "Malware On Porn Website" email letters:
I know, - is too personal to contact you.
I won't beat around the bush. You do not know anything about me but I know you and you must be thinking why you're receiving this mail, correct?
I actually installed a Malware on porn website & do you know what, you accessed same porn web site to have fun (you know what I mean). And while you were busy enjoying those videos, your internet browser started out operating as RDP (Remote Protocol) with a keylogger which provided me access to your display and your camera access. After that, the malware gathered all of your data and every one of your contacts from device including every one of your photos.
What have I done?
It is just your misfortune that I discovered your blunder. Later I invested in more time than I probably should have investigating into your life and created a split-screen video. First part shows the video you were watching and 2nd half displays the video of your web cam (it is someone doing naughty things). As a family man, I am ready to delete everything about you and allow you to continue with your regular life. And I am going to provide you two options that may accomplish your freedom. These two options are either to turn a blind eye to this message (not recommended), or pay me a small amount.
What exactly should you do?
Let's explore above two options in more detail. First Choice is to turn a deaf ear my mail. Let us see what will happen if you choose this option. I will send your sextape to all of your contacts including family members, colleagues, etc. It will not help you avoid the humiliation your self will have to feel when relatives and buddies uncover your dirty videotape. Second Option is to pay me, and be confidential about it. We'll call this "keep the secret tip". Lets discuss what will happen when you go with this option. Your naughty secret Will remain private. I'll keep my mouth closed. Once you make the payment, I will let you move on with your life and family that nothing ever occurred. You'll make the transfer through Bitcoins.
Amount to be sent: $950
BTC ADDERSS IS 1HT4jMEmjVNga3411xVgFhB2xmdrG1j2En
Notice: You now have 12 hours to transfer the amount. (I have a unique pixel within this email and right now I know that you have read through this e mail). The method to acquire bitcoin usually takes some effort so do not delay. If I don't get the Bitcoin, I will, no doubt, send your video recording to all of your contacts including close relatives, co-workers, and many others. nevertheless, if I do get paid, I'll destroy the videotape immediately. If you want to have proof, reply
Screenshots of other variants of the "Malware On Porn Website" sextortion scam:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is Malware On Porn Website sextortion scam?
- Types of malicious emails.
- How to spot a malicious email?
- What to do if you fell for an email scam?
Types of malicious emails:
Phishing Emails
Most commonly, cybercriminals use deceptive emails to trick Internet users into giving away their sensitive private information, for example, login information for various online services, email accounts, or online banking information.
Such attacks are called phishing. In a phishing attack, cybercriminals usually send an email message with some popular service logo (for example, Microsoft, DHL, Amazon, Netflix), create urgency (wrong shipping address, expired password, etc.), and place a link which they hope their potential victims will click on.
After clicking the link presented in such email message, victims are redirected to a fake website that looks identical or extremely similar to the original one. Victims are then asked to enter their password, credit card details, or some other information that gets stolen by cybercriminals.
Emails with Malicious Attachments
Another popular attack vector is email spam with malicious attachments that infect users' computers with malware. Malicious attachments usually carry trojans that are capable of stealing passwords, banking information, and other sensitive information.
In such attacks, cybercriminals' main goal is to trick their potential victims into opening an infected email attachment. To achieve this goal, email messages usually talk about recently received invoices, faxes, or voice messages.
If a potential victim falls for the lure and opens the attachment, their computers get infected, and cybercriminals can collect a lot of sensitive information.
While it's a more complicated method to steal personal information (spam filters and antivirus programs usually detect such attempts), if successful, cybercriminals can get a much wider array of data and can collect information for a long period of time.
Sextortion Emails
This is a type of phishing. In this case, users receive an email claiming that a cybercriminal could access the webcam of the potential victim and has a video recording of one's masturbation.
To get rid of the video, victims are asked to pay a ransom (usually using Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency). Nevertheless, all of these claims are false - users who receive such emails should ignore and delete them.
How to spot a malicious email?
While cyber criminals try to make their lure emails look trustworthy, here are some things that you should look for when trying to spot a phishing email:
- Check the sender's ("from") email address: Hover your mouse over the "from" address and check if it's legitimate. For example, if you received an email from Microsoft, be sure to check if the email address is @microsoft.com and not something suspicious like @m1crosoft.com, @microsfot.com, @account-security-noreply.com, etc.
- Check for generic greetings: If the greeting in the email is "Dear user", "Dear @youremail.com", "Dear valued customer", this should raise suspiciousness. Most commonly, companies call you by your name. Lack of this information could signal a phishing attempt.
- Check the links in the email: Hover your mouse over the link presented in the email, if the link that appears seems suspicious, don't click it. For example, if you received an email from Microsoft and the link in the email shows that it will go to firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0... you shouldn't trust it. It's best not to click any links in the emails but to visit the company website that sent you the email in the first place.
- Don't blindly trust email attachments: Most commonly, legitimate companies will ask you to log in to their website and to view any documents there; if you received an email with an attachment, it's a good idea to scan it with an antivirus application. Infected email attachments are a common attack vector used by cybercriminals.
To minimise the risk of opening phishing and malicious emails we recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
Example of a spam email:
What to do if you fell for an email scam?
- If you clicked on a link in a phishing email and entered your password - be sure to change your password as soon as possible. Usually, cybercriminals collect stolen credentials and then sell them to other groups that use them for malicious purposes. If you change your password in a timely manner, there's a chance that criminals won't have enough time to do any damage.
- If you entered your credit card information - contact your bank as soon as possible and explain the situation. There's a good chance that you will need to cancel your compromised credit card and get a new one.
- If you see any signs of identity theft - you should immediately contact the Federal Trade Commission. This institution will collect information about your situation and create a personal recovery plan.
- If you opened a malicious attachment - your computer is probably infected, you should scan it with a reputable antivirus application. For this purpose, we recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
- Help other Internet users - report phishing emails to Anti-Phishing Working Group, FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, National Fraud Information Center and U.S. Department of Justice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did I receive this email?
You received this email because cybercriminals sent the same email to thousands of recipients, hoping that some would fall for their scam. These emails are typically indiscriminate (they do not target specific individuals).
I have provided my personal information when tricked by this email, what should I do?
If you have shared any account login details, you should update all your passwords right away. If you have provided other personal information to scammers, like credit card numbers or identification card details, you should get in touch with the relevant authorities immediately to protect yourself from identity theft or other cybercrime.
I have downloaded and opened a malicious file attached to an email, is my computer infected?
If the file you opened was an executable (.exe), it is highly likely that your system is now infected with malware. Executable files can directly install malicious software onto your computer. However, if the file was a document (such as a .pdf or .doc), you might be safe because documents generally require additional steps for malware to activate.
Was my computer actually hacked and does the sender have any information?
No, your computer was not hacked or infected. The claims in such emails are false. Sometimes, scammers include old passwords or other leaked details to make their threats seem more convincing.
I have sent cryptocurrency to the address presented in such email, can I get my money back?
Such transactions are nearly impossible to trace, meaning once you transfer cryptocurrency to scammers, you cannot recover the funds.
I have read the email but did not open the attachment, is my computer infected?
Simply opening an email is safe and will not harm your system. However, if you click on links or open attachments within that email, you might accidentally introduce malware to your computer.
Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections that were present in email attachment?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can identify and remove nearly all types of malware. However, advanced malware often hides deeply within your system, so it is required to perform a complete system scan to ensure thorough removal.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion