TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – The first thing about this email that gets your attention is the subject line, which happens to be one of your passwords.
Soon, you’re intrigued by the writer’s claims, then maybe even terrified.
It’s a new twist on sextortion. Scammers claim they’ve installed malware on a porn site you have visited and then hacked into your computer and your webcam. They claim they have video of you watching adult videos and that they will send that video to everyone in your contacts list, email and social media, unless you pay their ransom.
The crooks are betting on the chance that you, or someone in your household, has been visiting porn sites or has a secret to hide.
Potential victims are thrown off by this email because it is well-written and convincing.
Most phishing scams try to steal passwords, but this one already has your stolen password, and uses that information to try to reel in the victim.
This scam is hitting Tampa Bay area email inboxes.
8 On Your Side’s Better Call Behnken is looking into how these crooks get your information and whether it’s possible for this scam to be true.
Watch Investigative Reporter Shannon Behnken’s special report Tuesday at 6 p.m.