What to Do If You Get ‘I’m a Programmer Who Cracked Your Email’ Message
The “I’m a programmer who cracked your email” scam is the latest version of the email scam series, that reached its peak in mid-October, 2018. In that email message, a programmer claimed that your email account and device have been hacked for more than six months because you have entered your password on some insecure websites. The programmer demanded a ransom ranging from $300 to $900 in order not to leak your personal data to your contacts.
What to Do If You Get the Message
If you receive this kind of message, do not pay money. In most cases this is a total scam. However, if your actual password was listed in the email, you should change to new password in all accounts that are using that listed password immediately. Make sure you use a different password for each account. Enable two-factor authentication on the accounts whenever possible.
Then, run a full virus scan on your systems. Most reputable antivirus software will be able to detect and alert you about a malicious program that is present in the system. Malicious program needs to be removed without delay in order to prevent any further potential damage. Besides your web-based accounts, keep track of you bank accounts, computers, devices, etc. to make sure that there is no suspicious activity as well.
How to Avoid Being A Victim of Web Fraud
To avoid being a victim of this kind of scam, it is important to practice safe browsing habits on a daily basis. You should avoid visiting insecure web locations, downloading suspicious content and being careless with your own personal information. It is highly recommended to stick to reputable websites and keep your system fully up-to-date.
If you receive an email from unknown/suspicious sender and it contains some irrelevant attachment, do not open it without carefully analyzing the email first. Always download software using official and trustworthy sources only. Install software with care, always check what are the “Custom”, “Advanced” and other similar settings to make sure no potentially unwanted applications are hidden in those settings. Always update software using tools or implemented functions provided by official developers.
Stay alert and vigilant!
Message in the “I’m a programmer who cracked your email”:
Subject: email is compromised. Password must be changed
Hello!
I’m a programmer who cracked your email account and device about half year ago. You entered a password on one of the insecure site you visited, and I catched it. Your password from xxxxxxx@xxxxxx.com on moment of crack: xxxxxx
Of course you can will change your password, or already made it. But it doesn’t matter, my rat software update it every time.
Please don’t try to contact me or find me, it is impossible, since I sent you an email from your email account.
Through your e-mail, I uploaded malicious code to your Operation System. I saved all of your contacts with friends, colleagues, relatives and a complete history of visits to the Internet resources. Also I installed a rat software on your device and long tome spying for you.
You are not my only victim, I usually lock devices and ask for a ransom.But I was struck by the sites of intimate content that you very often visit.
I am in shock of your reach fantasies! Wow! I’ve never seen anything like this! I did not even know that SUCH content could be so exciting!
So, when you had fun on intime sites (you know what I mean!)
I made screenshot with using my program from your camera of yours device.
After that, I jointed them to the content of the currently viewed site.
Will be funny when I send these photos to your contacts! And if your relatives see it?
BUT I’m sure you don’t want it. I definitely would not want to …
I will not do this if you pay me a little amount. I think $888 is a nice price for it!
I accept only Bitcoins.
My BTC wallet: xxxxxxxx
If you have difficulty with this – Ask Google “how to make a payment on a bitcoin wallet”. It’s easy. After receiving the above amount, all your data will be immediately removed automatically. My virus will also will be destroy itself from your operating system.
My Trojan have auto alert, after this email is looked, I will be know it!
You have 2 days (48 hours) for make a payment. If this does not happen – all your contacts will get crazy shots with your dirty life! And so that you do not obstruct me, your device will be locked (also after 48 hours)
Do not take this frivolously! This is the last warning! Various security services or antiviruses won’t help you for sure (I have already collected all your data).
Here are the recommendations of a professional:
Antiviruses do not help against modern malicious code. Just do not enter your passwords on unsafe sites!
I hope you will be prudent.
Bye.