Recently a lot of people have received emails titled “Got You, You Got Owned” in which the sender threatens to spread their leaked credentials unless they pay up. Have you received it as well? Don’t follow any instructions because the email is a SCAM! 

“You Got Owned” Email Scam

“You Got Owned” Email Content 

From: Got You quickbooks@notification.intuit.com, coinbase@pro.space, christenson@my.email 
Hello 
I know your password! 
I infected you with a malware (RAT)/(Remote Administration Tool), some time ago and since then, I have been observing your actions. The malware gave me full access and control over your system, meaning, I can see everything on your screen, turn on your camera or microphone and you won’t even notice about it, yes such things exist, you can Google it! 
I have also access to all your contacts, I collected everything private from you, pictures, videos, everything! 
And I MADE A VIDEO SHOWING BOTH YOU (through your webcam) AND THE VIDEO YOU WERE WATCHING (on the screen) WHILE SATISFYING YOURSELF! 
I can send this video to all your contacts (email, social network) and publish all your private stuff everywhere! 
You can prevent me from doing this! 
To stop me, transfer exactly: 400$ with the current bitcoin (BTC) price to my bitcoin address. 
If you don’t know how to get bitcoin, Google – “How to buy Bitcoin”, it’s very simple for example with credit card. The wallet you can create here: https://www.blockchain.com 
My bitcoin address is: [REDACTED] 
Copy and paste my address – it’s (CASE-sensitive). 
You know this all isn’t a joke, you got the proof above! 
I think it’s a very good price compared to the damage and hell it can bring into your life! 
After receiving the payment, I will delete everything from you and you can life your live in peace like before. I give you 3 days to get the bitcoins! 
Don’t share this email with anyone, this should stay our little secret! 

How “You Got Owned” Email Scams Work 

Scammers (pretending to be hackers) falsely claim that they’ve infected your device with malware, gained access to your account and sensitive information, accessed your webcam, and recorded you. By threatening to share the recording with your email and social media contacts, they’re hoping you’ll be scared enough to send them $400 in Bitcoin, after which they will allegedly delete the footage and all your other info.  

However, the email is completely bogus. They haven’t installed malicious software on your computer, accessed your info, or recorded you — it’s all just an empty threat. Do not respond to the email or transfer any money/cryptocurrency. 

Blackmail/Sextortion Email Scams  

We’ve reported on how blackmail email scams and sextortion email scams like this work several times before. They are clearly still out there circulating and evolving, but the basic tactics are the same: try to trick you into believing they’ve recorded you and demand payment to stop them from sharing it with your friends/family/colleagues. Check out this sextortion email below: 

What Should I Do If I Receive a “You Got Owned” Email? 

• DO NOT REPLY. 
• DO NOT TRANSFER ANY MONEY/CRYPTOCURRENCY. 
• Don’t open any attachments.  
• Ensure that two-factor authentication (2FA) is enabled for all your online accounts. 
• If they show you one of your passwords, CHANGE it and NEVER use it again. 
• Stay in the know regarding the safety of your data with Trend Micro ID Protection (100% free)!  

With Trend Micro ID Protection you can:  

• Check to see if your data (email address, phone number, password, social media account) has been exposed in a leak.  
• Secure your social media accounts with our Social Media Account Monitoring tool, with which you’ll receive a personal report.  
• Receive the strongest tough-to-hack password suggestions from our advanced AI.  

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