Web Extortion Scam Threatens To Flag Sites To Google As Spam ((FULL))

First, the sextortionist will create a fake profile on a social media or dating site. These sites include Tinder, Bumble, Google Hangouts, Instagram, and Snapchat (article: how to report a snapchat account). Sites like these let anonymous sextortion scammers find or connect with unsuspecting victims who have public profiles.

Web extortion scam threatens to flag sites to Google as spam

Online extortion schemes vary, but there are a few common indicators of the scam. The following characteristics are not all-inclusive but should serve as red flags. It is important to remember that scammers adapt their schemes to capitalize on current events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, high-profile breaches, or new trends involving the Internet, all in an attempt to make their scams seem more authentic.

Scammers are circulating spam emails purporting to contain links to websites with information on the recent Boston explosions, but in fact contain links to malicious content that may infect and allow scammers remote access to your computer.

According to the BBB, the scammer will contact people whether or not they visited pornographic sites and claim they have hacked their computer and activated their webcam. They will share that they have been able to access all the porn sites the victim has visited. The scammer then threatens to send embarrassing images, videos, and screenshots to stolen contacts, family, friends, and co-workers if a payment is not made.