How to recognize scams like "Operating System Fell To My Hacking Expertise"

What is "Operating System Fell To My Hacking Expertise"?

We have inspected this email and learned that it is a fake letter from a hacker claiming that the recipient's computer has been hacked and infected, and "intriguing" material has been obtained. The purpose of the scammer behind this email is to extract money from unsuspecting recipients. This email should be ignored, as all its claims are fake.

More about the "Operating System Fell To My Hacking Expertise" scam email

There are two (at least) versions of this email. In one version, the email threatens the recipient by claiming that the sender has hacked into their device and gained access to their personal data, including the camera and display. The sender demands a payment of $1,250 in Bitcoin and promises to delete all collected data and malware upon receipt.

The email warns that if the payment is not made within 48 hours, the sender will release (disclose) the victim's private information online. In another version, the main difference is that the sender demands $1,050 in Bitcoin. Also, both emails contain different BTC wallet addresses.

Recipients should ignore such emails and never pay scammers. Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, meaning that once the payment is made, it cannot be recovered. Simply put, victims have no recourse to reclaim their cryptocurrency funds.

It is also important not to provide any information to scammers. They may misuse it for malicious purposes (e.g., steal identities, access personal accounts, make fraudulent transactions or purchases, etc.).

Threat Summary:

Name	Operating System Fell To My Hacking Expertise Email Scam
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Fake Claim	Recipient's computer has been hacked and infected
Cyber Criminal Cryptowallet Address	bc1qyezej76e0hrj3488a469dvmyngq47m6sjxudkz, bc1qm6lcww77uzu8knfsysgznrxm9jzmxlpq8jp2h5
Disguise	Letter from a hacker
Distribution methods	Deceptive emails.
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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner 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.

Similar scam emails in general

Such scam emails are commonly referred to as extortion emails or sextortion scams. They often involve threats to release compromising information or personal data unless a ransom is paid. The threats made in such emails are fake. Fraudsters behind such emails do not have access to computers or accounts or have obtained sensitive information or humiliating material.

Some examples of similar scams are "I've Got Access To Your Smartphone", "Is Visiting A More Convenient Way To Reach", and "Malware On Porn Website". Cybercriminals can use email not only to extract money or information, but also to distribute malware.

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Computers can be infected via email through malicious attachments or links. When a user opens an infected attachment, such as a document or executable file, it can launch malware that compromises the system. However, not all malicious files can infect computers immediately after opening them. For instance, infected MS Office documents usually execute malware when users enable macros commands.

Fraudulent emails can also contain links that direct users to fraudulent websites, where they might unknowingly download harmful software. Additionally, these links can take users to websites designed to trigger automatic malware downloads.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Always scrutinize emails before opening attachments or clicking links, especially if they come from unfamiliar senders or seem irrelevant or suspicious. Be cautious about clicking on ads, pop-ups, buttons, or links on dubious websites, as they may lead to harmful downloads. Download software and files from trustworthy sources, such as official websites and reputable app stores.

Avoid using pirated software, cracking tools, or key generators. Additionally, regularly update your operating system and applications to ensure your system remains secure. Finally, consider using a reliable antivirus program. 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 the "Operating System Fell To My Hacking Expertise" email letter:

Hi there. I have some information that's likely to be impactful.

13.10.2024 16:40:28 - Take note that on this date, your device's operating system fell to my hacking expertise, allowing me full access to your account. You have been under my watchful observation for an enduring stretch of time. Your system's security has been overridden by a virus, placing your devices, including the display and camera, under my control. All your online and offline data is now accessible to me.

I've collected an extensive array of data about you.

In the course of watching you, I came across something intriguing.

You probably realize the weight of what I now know and what that necessitates. If you don't want me to do it, send me 1250 $ (Dollar US in my bitcoin wallet.
My BTC Wallet address:
bc1qyezej76e0hrj3488a469dvmyngq47m6sjxudkz

For those unsure about funding a Bitcoin wallet, Google can be used to find detailed funding instructions.
As soon as the funds are received, I'll notice it immediately and remove all the unwanted material. After that, we’ll part ways. I also commit to deactivating and removing all malware from your devices. You can trust me, I stand by my word. It’s a fair deal, especially considering the time I’ve invested in tracking your profile and traffic.

Please note that you have exactly two days (48 hours) from the moment you open this letter to make the payment!

Following this timeframe, if I do not receive the agreed-upon amount from you, I will release access to your accounts and visited websites, personal information, and edited materials to the public without prior notice.

Always keep in mind that I am meticulous and don't make errors. It's unwise to jest with me because I have a wealth of options at my disposal. There’s no use in lodging complaints, as they won’t be able to track me down. Even formatting the drive or destroying the device won’t make a difference because I already possess your data.

There's no need to reply to me because I don't send messages from personal email, and I won't be reading any responses
Wishing you good luck and advising you not to be upset! Each of us has our own tasks, and today, you simply happened to find yourself on the less fortunate side.

P.s. Moving forward, I'd recommend that you abide by internet safety rules and avoid visiting dubious sites.

You can use an antivirus like Dr.Web for enhanced protection.

Screenshot of the second variant:

Text in this email:

Hello. I have some news that's definitely going to surprise you.

14.08.2024 19:58:41 - Take note that on this date, your device's operating system fell to my hacking expertise, allowing me full access to your account. You have been under my watchful observation for an enduring stretch of time.

I installed a virus on your system, which has now given me the power to control all your devices, including the display and camera. Your private data and online activities are now centralized on my servers.

Over the course of time, I've accumulated all your details.

In the course of watching you, I came across something intriguing.

You're probably aware of the discovery I've made and its consequences. If you'd rather I didn't carry this out, send 1050 $ (Dollar US to my Bitcoin wallet.

My BTC Wallet address: bc1qm6lcww77uzu8knfsysgznrxm9jzmxlpq8jp2h5

Don’t know how to fund your Bitcoin wallet? A quick Google search will bring up plenty of how-to guides.

Upon the reception of funds, I will promptly take action to remove all unwanted content. After that, we can go our separate ways. I also pledge to deactivate

and eliminate any malware from your devices. You can place your trust in me, as I always follow through on my promises. This arrangement is equitable, particularly in light of the time I've spent monitoring your profile and

traffic.

You have a total of 48 hours from the time you open this letter to complete your payment!

If, after this timeframe, I don't receive the requested payment from you, I will make your accounts and visited websites, personal data, and edited materials accessible to everyone without any advance notice.

After this designated time, if I don't receive the specified sum from you, I

will release access to your accounts and visited websites, personal data, and edited videos to the public without prior notice.

It's not worth replying to me because I don't use a traceable email, and I

won't have access to any responses

Wishing you the best of luck and hoping you won't get upset! Remember, each of us has our own set of responsibilities, and today it seems you've encountered a tough situation.

Moving forward, it's a good idea to follow internet safety guidelines and avoid visiting suspicious websites.

You can enhance your security with Avira Free or a similar antivirus.

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 Operating System Fell To My Hacking Expertise extortion 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 likely received this email because your email address may have been obtained from a data breach, sold on the dark web, or in other ways. Scammers often send same emails to random addresses, hoping that at least small part of recipients will engage with their messages.

I have provided my personal information when tricked by this email, what should I do?

If you have provided any account credentials, change all passwords immediately. If you have shared other personal information, such as credit card details or ID card information, contact the relevant authorities (e.g., your bank or police) as soon as possible.

I have downloaded and opened a malicious file attached to an email, is my computer infected?

Whether a device is infected can depend on the type of file that was opened. Executable files (like .exe or .run) usually lead to infections immediately when launched. Document files (such as .doc, .xls, or .pdf) often require extra steps to trigger a malware installation, such as enabling macro commands.

Was my computer actually hacked and does the sender have any information?

No, all the claims in such emails are usually fake. Scammers do not have any information or other material or planted malware on computers.

I have sent cryptocurrency to the address presented in such email, can I get my money back?

Such transactions are nearly impossible to trace, which means you will not be able to recover your funds.

I have read the email but did not open the attachment, is my computer infected?

Simply reading an email does not pose an infection risk. Devices can become compromised only when malicious attachments are opened or harmful links are clicked.

Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections that were present in email attachment?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can effectively detect and remove nearly all known malware infections. Advanced malware often conceals itself deep within the system, so conducting a full system scan is highly advisable for thorough protection.

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