Scammers tried to convince me they had porn of me – I knew it wasn't true but I almost paid them
FRAUD FEAR Scammers tried to convince me they had porn of me – I knew it wasn't true but I almost paid them
MY phone pings and an email lands in my inbox. As I open it, my heart starts racing and my hands are shaking: I'm being blackmailed.
"Your system has been hacked with a trojan virus," the email says. "It has penetrated your device through adult portals which you sometimes visit.
Advertisement
2
Deputy consumer editor Lucy Andrews was targeted as part of a sextortion scam - here's how she spotted it was all fake
Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd.
2
Make sure to set your privacy settings high on your social media and messaging platforms to block scammers from contacting you
Credit: Getty
"I've already made a screen recording.
"A video was edited with a pornographic movie that you were watching at that time and masturbating."
I had no idea I was being targeted by a fraudster as part of a sextortion scam.
This is when criminals threaten to share sexual pictures or videos of you unless you pay them money.
Advertisement
It's a terrifying experience, and worryingly, these scams are on the rise.
Action Fraud released an urgent warning to the public in March about this fraud, when it received over 2,924 reports - a huge increase from 133 reports just the month before.
'Complete control' over my phone
I got the email on a Sunday evening last September. I didn't recognise the email address, and had never spoken to the sender.
The scammer told me that they had "complete control" over my device, and all my personal information had been copied.
Advertisement
They told me that they could send the compromising video of me to my email contacts, and through my social media channels.
I was told that all I needed to do to make the problem go away, and for no one to bother me again, was to send $1,400 (£1,035) to a Bitcoin wallet.
I was given two days to send the money over - or all of my data and videos would become publicly available.
I was told that going to the police was useless, as their email and Bitcoin wallet could not be tracked.
Advertisement
Changing my passwords would be useless, because the data was already saved on their server.
"The timer starts immediately," the email read.
"Everyone will learn about your passion for the porn sites and more.
"Don't forget that reputation is very important and be prudent!"
Advertisement
How I spotted the red flags
Terrified of any compromising images of me being leaked for everyone to see, I nearly handed over the money.
But luckily I didn't - as I managed to spot a few red flags in the email that were suspicious.
Despite the scammer claiming to know so much sensitive information about me, they never addressed me by name in the email.
I thought this was weird, and reminded me of the "spray and pray" tactics scammers may use when targeting victims.
Advertisement
This is where a fraudster will email the same generic message out to many people, in the hope that someone will fall for it.
The email was trying to force me to act quickly and send over money.
This is a classic pressure tactic that scammers use to bully you into handing over cash.
The scammer said that malicious software had been installed on my device.
Advertisement
The tell-tale signs of this happening are that apps on your phone keep crashing, strange pop-ups appear, and the battery life shrinks.
But my phone was running normally - so I started to doubt if the threats were true.
I also went on the National Cyber Security Centre's website to read more about sextortion scams, and discovered that fraudsters will often ask to be paid in Bitcoin - like my scammer.
And besides, I don't watch these sorts of videos - so why had the scammer said I accessed porn sites?
Advertisement
I ignored the email and blocked the email address - but what I should have done in hindsight was report it to the police.
If you are not in immediate danger, you can contact your local force by calling 101 to report the scam.
I also should have forwarded the email to report@phishing.gov.uk so the incident could be logged at the National Cyber Security Centre.
At the time, I was just relieved that I wasn't being scammed.
Advertisement
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Boy, seven, mauled by 13ft shark & has part of leg torn off by beast after jumping into water while playing with friends
Doctors decided his injuries were so severe that he was evacuated to a major hospital SAVAGED BY BEAST Boy, seven, mauled by 13ft shark & has part of leg torn off by beast after jumping into water while playing with friends Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD boy has been attacked by a 13ft shark who ripped off part of the child's leg. The boy was playing with his friends in shark infested waters when the beast grabbed hold of his body. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 A seven-year-old boy has been attacked by a 13ft shark who ripped off part of the child's leg Credit: Getty Horrified witnesses at Taiohae Bay, Nuku Hiva recalled seeing the boy jump from a fisherman's dock moments before being attacked. The child was snagged on his right forearm, left hand and had one of his calves ripped off. He was quickly treated at the scene before being rushed to a local hospital. Doctors decided his injuries were so severe that he was evacuated to the larger Taaone Hospital shortly after arriving. Another shark attack victim was left with similar wounds after her calf was torn off in a Fourth of July mauling. Tabatha Sullivent was one of four people injured in a shark attack on South Padre Island off the southern coast of Texas. Sullivent recalls feeling the beast approach as she tried to kick it to get ot to go away. But the shark suddenly clasped onto her leg and bit off a majority of her left calf. It comes as a luxury Maldives getaway turned into a nightmare when a dentist was mauled by a shark in a terrifying attack. Ekaterina Alexandrova, 30, from Moscow, shared footage of the moment she was attacked while snorkelling with a friend.
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Gamers warned their passwords could be STOLEN after installing brand new title – simple mistake could cost you thousands
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN URGENT warning has gone out to gamers after a alleged scam to rob players of thousands of pounds was uncovered. Malware has reportedly been uploaded to a popular game on Steam, which could give hackers full access to your personal information. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 An urgent warning has gone out to gamers after Malware was uploaded to a Steam game Credit: Supplied 2 The malware allows hackers to access your device at any time Credit: Getty A hacker - known as EncryptHub - has eportedly compromised a game on the online platform Steam, which now installs info-stealing malware on devices - when downloaded. The sinister scammer - also known as Larva-208 - allegedly launched his plot on July 22 when he uploaded the HijackLoader malware ( onto the game. According to Bleeping Computer, this dodgy software was uploaded to the popular game Chemia, originally developed by Aether Forge Studios. The software establishes 'persistence' - meaning it gives a hacker unlimited access - on your device. Then, it downloads the Vidar infostealer ( while receiving a command-and-control address from a Telegram channel. A second piece of malware allegedly added to Chemia harvests your data from web browsers - including your account details, auto-fill information, cookies and cryptocurrency data. With all of that data and access to your computer, the hacker is then able to rob users of their hard-earned cash. A report shared with BleepingComputer revealed that the scheme relies on players trusting online platforms, instead of using 'traditional deception techniques'. It is unknown how EncryptHub allegedly managed to upload the files onto the game and Chemia's developer has not commented on the issue. The game remains on Steam and it is unclear if the latest version is safe to download. Watch trailer for RoboCop-Rogue City game that's FREE to claim on PlayStation The Sun has contacted Steam's operator, Valve, for comment. EncryptHub was behind a cyberattack campaign last year which affected 600 companies worldwide. The news comes after the beloved supermarket M&S recovers from a major cyberattack this year. Marks and Spencer was forced to shut down their online website while it grappled with the crisis, while £700 million was wiped off its stock market value. Eventually, the retailer was able to return to normal after being unable to make deliveries for some time. After the attack, the company offered users of its Sparks loyalty scheme the chance to choose between two of M&S' best selling products. These included: Percy Pigs or a Swiss Truffle Assortment Box Bouquet of Flowers or bottle of Prosecco A punnet of Grapes or a packet of Outrageously Chocolatey Round Biscuits. Sharry Cramond, director of loyalty, fashion, home & beauty marketing and masterbrand, said: 'Over the last three months, our colleagues have demonstrated real commitment and teamwork. At the same time, our customers have shown us fantastic support and loyalty. "These extra Sparks rewards are a small gesture to say thank you.'
Glasgow Times
5 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
What invalidates home insurance? This habit puts you at risk
Making sure your home is protected is key to looking after your property and family comforts. However, experts have claimed that one habit could be putting your home insurance at risk. It's also a mistake that is more likely to happen during the summer months and shockingly one in 10 Brits say they do it. 🚨Looking for a place to rent? ⚠️ Fraudsters create fake listings on legitimate rental platforms to lure victims into rental scams ✅ You, or someone you trust, should always view the property before you make payment Find out more: — Action Fraud (@actionfrauduk) July 23, 2025 What invalidates house insurance? Leaving a key under the doormat or plant pot while away on holiday is one of the most common ways homeowners invalidate their home insurance. Heath Alexander-Bew, director at insurance provider Alan Boswell Group, explained: 'In many cases, in the event of a burglary or stolen possessions, there will need to be signs of 'forced entry' to make a valid, successful claim. 'By leaving a key to the property under a doormat or plant pot, homeowners make it easy for burglars to enter, potentially resulting in a declined insurance claim.' Instead, it is recommended to leave a key with a trusted friend or family member. Mr Alexander-Bew continued: 'Alternatively, invest in security measures such as a wall-mounted key safe which can only be accessed by someone who has the code. 'Always ensure your home is completely locked and secured before going on holiday, and do not leave any spare keys around.' Further advice suggests to never reveal on social media that your home will be empty. Why is house insurance important? Home insurance protects your home in case something unexpected happens. HSBC advises: 'Without cover, you risk having to pay for replacements or repairs if something happens to your home or belongings. This could be if they're damaged in a fire or a flood or if your things are stolen. Recommended Reading: 'With household insurance in place, if anything happens to your property or possessions that are covered by your policy, you'll be protected financially. 'If you're renting, you don't need to worry about buildings insurance, as this is your landlord's responsibility. 'But you should consider contents insurance to help cover the costs of replacing possessions if something happens to them.'
