Hey guys, I'll be starting a series of posts in which I will cover the most popular Bitcoin/Crypto scams. The point is to raise the overall awareness of the people and save them money so they do not fall for that kind of crap.
Malware
Hackers are pretty resourceful these days and they keep finding new ways to steal assets from people. It is important for you to be always checking very carefully addresses where you send cryptos. There is malware that once after installed is able to change wallet addresses after copy/pasting so the transaction goes directly to the hacker's own address. Bitcoin transactions are nearly impossible to reverse after they are confirmed so this is something you need to be really really careful. Always have an up-to-date Antivirus software which will be able to protect you until some extent.
Ransomware
This is pretty self-explanatory. A malicious software gets access to your PC, then it manages to lock some of your data and you get message that to get your data back you need to transfer certain amount of Bitcoin or any other crypto to a specific wallet address. The way they usually get this to their victims PC is over either an email or some other file transfer(imagine you downloading torrent with new TV series from PirateBay and there is masked exe or bat file). Once again, an up-to-date AV is mandatory. At the very least, some of the free versions of Avast, AVG can help, if you do not want to pay for something more solid.
Blackmail
One common execution of this strategy is by mail, where the sender transmits a message claiming that they hacked into your computer and is able to operate it via remote desktop connection. The sender says that he managed to record you via your web cam you doing something you'll not need others to know. The sender gives two alternatives - send crypto to his wallet, or else this recording will be sent to your contact list via email and spread in social media.
Just for you to have an idea let me share with you an example e-mail of how the Blackmail scam works:
From: __________ <[email protected]>
Date: 20 July 2019 12:53:32 CEST
A: “__________” <[email protected]>
Object: cat123
I am aware, cat123, is your password. You may not know me and you’re most likely thinking why you are getting this e-mail, right?
Let me tell you, I placed a malware on the adult videos (pornography) and you know what, you visited this web site to experience fun (you know what I mean). When you were watching videos, your internet browser began working as a Rdp (Remote desktop) having a keylogger which gave me access to your display and also webcam. After that, my software obtained your complete contacts from messenger, fb, as well as email.
What did I do?
I created a double-screen video. 1st part displays the video you were viewing (you’ve got a nice taste rofl), and second part displays the recording of your cam.
Exactly what should you do?
Well, honestly, $1900 is a fair price for our little secret. You’ll make the payment through Bitcoin (if you do not know this, search “how to buy bitcoin” in google).
BTC ADDRESS: ___________________________
(It is CASE sensitive, so copy and paste it)
Note:
You now have one day in order to make the payment. (I have a special pixel within this email message, and now I know that you have read through this message). If I do not get the BitCoin, I definitely will send out your video recording to all of your contacts including members of your family, colleagues, and many others. nonetheless, if I receive the payment, I’ll erase the video immediately. If you want to have evidence, reply with “yes!” and I will send your video recording to your 8 contacts. It is a non negotiable offer, thus don’t waste my personal time & yours by responding to this email.
It is completely mandatory guys that you do not fall for any of those kind of crap.
Hope this helps you guys and always stay protected.
