Blackmailing email a friend got

R

Rose65

Well-known Member
Location
United Kingdom
A close friend was very upset to get an email threatening that if she didn't pay a large sum, videos of her doing unspeakable acts would be sent to all her contacts. She reported it immediately and says her webcam is always disabled , and all her security is in place.

She is very savvy technically, but I'm worried. I don't even know how to switch off my webcam and things like that. I've never done zoom , Skype or such anyway, no video conferences.
So am I and others like me safe? I presume such phishing attempts are sent to lots of people but can the AI technology now make all things possible?
 

Rose65 said:
A close friend was very upset to get an email threatening that if she didn't pay a large sum, videos of her doing unspeakable acts would be sent to all her contacts. She reported it immediately and says her webcam is always disabled , and all her security is in place.

She is very savvy technically, but I'm worried. I don't even know how to switch off my webcam and things like that. I've never done zoom , Skype or such anyway, no video conferences.
So am I and others like me safe? I presume such phishing attempts are sent to lots of people but can the AI technology now make all things possible?
Click to expand...
this is very common this email. I've had it myself... My webcam also is disabled...aside from when I have Zoom meetings with professionals ..and anyhow, I have never done anything that I couldn't show a 5 years old.. so no-one can blackmail me about anything.. just delete and block...
 
Rose65 said:
A close friend was very upset to get an email threatening that if she didn't pay a large sum, videos of her doing unspeakable acts would be sent to all her contacts. She reported it immediately and says her webcam is always disabled , and all her security is in place.

She is very savvy technically, but I'm worried. I don't even know how to switch off my webcam and things like that. I've never done zoom , Skype or such anyway, no video conferences.
So am I and others like me safe? I presume such phishing attempts are sent to lots of people but can the AI technology now make all things possible?
Click to expand...
These scams are happening every day. People are scammed out of thousands of dollars when they fall for them.
You said you don't know how to switch off your webcam. I did these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Z9KM5QB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Oh, and "blackmail" can only happen if a scammer actually has something on the victim... otherwise it's a run-of-the-mill scam.
 

Do what I do Rose, keep the webcam in a drawer!

The last time I used it was 3 years ago, but if you
use it regularly, still keep it handy and unplugged.

Mike.
 
Rose65 said:
A close friend was very upset to get an email threatening that if she didn't pay a large sum, videos of her doing unspeakable acts would be sent to all her contacts. She reported it immediately and says her webcam is always disabled , and all her security is in place.

She is very savvy technically, but I'm worried. I don't even know how to switch off my webcam and things like that. I've never done zoom , Skype or such anyway, no video conferences.
So am I and others like me safe? I presume such phishing attempts are sent to lots of people but can the AI technology now make all things possible?
Click to expand...
If you can't switch it off, just put a piece of tape over the lens
 
oldaunt said:
I get about one every other month. I know I don't do any such, know I don't have camera access on my laptop, and know its a scam. I just report, dump, and move on.
Click to expand...
Indeed. I only use our laptop briefly each week to type shopping lists and such and do my banking. It's never even on otherwise.
I have no idea about webcams.

I just wonder if our phones can spy on us if we have them on in bathroom and bedroom. Or if AI can just make things up about us. It is a very worrying world now. Too much technology in the hands of too many and the human capacity for abuse is endless.
 
On my newish computer, I found a cool thing. You can close the shutter of the camera lens with a built in shutter. Just slide over the lens cover.

On my other computer, I used post it notes to cover the camera lens.
 
caramel said:
On my newish computer, I found a cool thing. You can close the shutter of the camera lens with a built in shutter. Just slide over the lens cover.

On my other computer, I used post it notes to cover the camera lens.
Click to expand...
Mine doesn't have built-in, but that link I posted above is the same thing... slides right on and shutters the cam. Really happy with them... previously I'd just had a little sparkly sticker over it.
 
I’ve gotten similar emails and phone calls, too. Some claim to have evidence of naughty sites I’ve supposedly visited on the internet, the shocking info to be released if I don’t pay up. Others claim to be police officers who are coming to arrest me for supposedly illegal on-line activities, and demanding a pay-off. Then my account they claim has been locked here or there, ‘cause someone bought three upper-end computers on it. Just call ‘em, and give your full account information…

Sorry, folks, I’m too busy setting up a bank account for that Nigerian prince who’s gonna send me a million for fronting for him in the U.S. As P.T. Barnum observed, there’s a su*ker born every minute… 🙄
 
My laptop is so screwed up I keep it closed. So no web cam. The only intimate thing I can remember doing when the web cam was active is pet my cat. I guess there is a big market for that stuff now. :)
 
caramel said:
On my newish computer, I found a cool thing. You can close the shutter of the camera lens with a built in shutter. Just slide over the lens cover.

On my other computer, I used post it notes to cover the camera lens.
Click to expand...
Actually, I know it might be silly but I've decided to always cover my mobile with a flannel when in the bathroom. I listen to audio books on it as I get ready. This surely is a simple way to deal with any chance of being spied on?

My laptop is irrelevant as I barely use it.
 
not as simple anymore as cover your web cam etc...
if someone has a few photos and good with AI they can make it seem like you did something ....
This has worked on some who must have had something to worry about... so the scammers just fling out the email net again and again trying to catch someone..... anyone to buy this BS
 
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