Perpetrators extort Bitcoins and threaten to publish video recordings

As the Lower Saxony police report, Bitcoins are very popular, even among perpetrators. This time they are being blackmailed by cybercriminals. Different people are randomly contacted by email (personally and impersonally). Apparently a video recording was made in which the person being addressed could be seen watching porn videos on the Internet. The person previously clicked on a video and at the same time ran software that was supposed to make this possible. If the person addressed does not comply with the payment request within 48 hours, the explosive footage will be distributed on the Internet, including on various porn sites using the person's contacts.

No proof of the existence of the recordings is provided.

This scam is not new. It has already been used several times in the last year. However, there are now also German text versions in circulation. The perpetrators are probably hoping that the blackmail emails will now receive more attention.

Here is a current English version of the text:

“Hello, If you were more watchful while caring yourself, I wouldn't worry you.
I don't think that playing with myself is very terrible, but when all colleagues, relatives and friends receive video of it- it is awful news. I seized malicious softness on a porn web site which you have visited.
When the object clicks on a play button, device begins recording the screen and all cameras on your device begin working. Furthermore, soft makes a rdp supplied with key logger function from ur device , so I could collect all contacts from your e-mail, messengers and other social networks.
I've chosen this e-mail cuz It's your corporate address, so u will read it. I suppose that 370 usd is pretty enough for this little wrong.
I made a split screen video(records from screen (u have interesting tastes ) and camera ohh… its funny AF) So its ur choice, if u want me to erase this сcompromising evidence use my bitсoin wаllеt address: 1QDC1Vao4NyJS52Z1VMGpW8oc672mkpDhJ You have one day after opening my message, I put the special tracking pixel in it, so when you will open it I will know.If ya want me to show u the proofs, reply on this message and I will send my creation to five contacts that I've got from ur contacts.
PS… You are able to complain to cops, but I don't think that they can help, the inquisition will last for one year- I'm from Estonia – so I dgf lmao “

 

Here are two German-language versions:

MIMIKAMA
Source: Lower Saxony Police
MIMIKAMA
Source: Lower Saxony Police

Update May 2, 2018:

The following emails are currently circulating widely on the internet. Some people reported that they received this email even though they did not have a webcam.

Sample email:

“Hello, masturbating is of course normal, but if your family and friends witness it, it is of course a great shame.
Masturbating is of course normal, but if your family and friends witness it, it is of course a great shame. I_have_been_watching_you_for_a_while_because_I_had_you_hacked_by_a_virus_in_an_advertisement_on_a_porno_website. If you don't know, I'll explain. A Trojan gives you full access and control over a computer (or other device). This means I can see everything on your screen and turn on your camera and microphone without you noticing. This also gives me access to all your contacts. I made a video that shows you masturbating on the left half of the screen and on the right half you see the video you just watched. With the click of a button, I can share this video with all of your email and social media contacts. If you want to prevent this, transfer an amount of 500 EUR to my Bitcoin address. Step 1: Go to coinbase.com and create an account.
Step 2: Verify your account with your passport or ID card.
Step 3: Fund your Coinbase Bitcoin account using your credit card or bank account.
Step 4: Send the coins to the Bitcoin address below: 1Co7MgZekQG1f8TjUF1fk6ar2CgQuJc8x4
Once payment is received, I will delete the video and you will never hear from me again. I give you 3 days to make the payment. After that you know what happens. I can see it if you've read this email so the clock is now ticking. Reporting me to the police is a waste of time as this email cannot be traced in any form nor to my Bitcoin address. I do not make mistakes. If I discover that you have filed a report or shared this message with someone else, the video will be distributed immediately. Greetings!"

Don't give in to the blackmail! The contents are fictitious. Simply delete these emails.

People who have complied with the request to pay should definitely it to their local police.


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