Scammers Use Sex As A Weapon To Extort Bitcoin From Victims

Seems like sex is the ultimate weapon that scammers have in their armoury. Recently, in Australia, scammers have been sending threatening emails to people, blackmailing them and demanding ransom of $800.An email from the scammer says that they have access to the user’s computer  and it’s data along with gaining access to the webcam. It adds stating that he has recorded the users “satisfying themselves” and to avoid further consequences, the user should pay around $800 in Bitcoin to the scammer, reported news portal, Coinnounce.The New South Wales Police Force (NSW) warned people to not respond to the mails and simply delete them. While the email has left several people shocked, the police has confirmed that usually these are empty threats and the hackers/scammers are usually trying to make a quick buck. The police also suggested that the users change their passwords frequently in order to avoid such incidents.  The news portal further suggested that the Australian Cyber Security Centre(ACSC) has confirmed the presence of these emails that are the ‘sextortion’ scams that are targeting the Australian community.While this is one of its first kind of cases, extortion in exchange of bitcoin ransom is not uncommon. Last month, in Rajasthan, a gang of 11 people abducted and kept several Bitcoin traders for ransom on gunpoint.After the rescue mission, DCP Sharma told media after this operation, “The gang kidnapped Shaikh and Shazad, two bitcoin traders, and demanded 80 bitcoins worth ₹8 crore. Shah was kidnapped two days later. The gang demanded ₹10 lakh from his family members.” Notably, bitcoin-related crimes are on a rise in Jaipur. Last month too, Rajasthan ATS had arrested 4 people involved in a Bitcoin scam from Jaipur. Before that, a Jaipur-based couple had been arrested for Bitcoin fraud.Liked what you read? Join us on Telegram