If you have not received emails demanding Bitcoin yet, it is only a matter of time before you do. Because the scam is getting increasingly popular, making it important to be ready and to know exactly what to do when you receive Bitcoin ransom email.
You don’t want to learn the hard way.
Some of these emails demanding Bitcoin may even come with personal information like the password you have used or currently using, making it convincing, and this is where you may freak out and start engaging with the scammer.
In this post, I will tell you exactly what to do if you receive Bitcoin ransom email.
A few steps that will help you to protect yourself.
But first, you must stay calm, and whatever you do, do not pay any ransom.
What is a Sextortion scam?
A sextortion scam involves a scammer blackmailing someone, and this usually happens through email.
The scammer will claim in the email to have your login details, a video of you visiting an adult website, or even a video of you masturbating and then threatens to release them unless you pay a ransom which is often in Bitcoin.
This email may include a password you have used or currently using to scare you.
You will find out soon how they can get your password.
What to Do if You Receive Bitcoin Ransom Email
Pay attention – each step will be important.
1. Check to See if your Data have been Compromised
If you receive a Bitcoin ransom email and your password is mentioned, the first thing you should do is check your email.
Have your data been exposed?
In my case, I checked my old email and found 3 data breaches.
So, I wouldn’t be surprised to get an email with one of my old passwords.
To check if your data is exposed visit haveibeenpwned.com.
2. Change the Passwords mentioned
As I mentioned earlier – some of these emails may include your password just to scare you.
I have also revealed how some of them can get your passwords.
In this case, change any password you still use that is included in the email.
By doing so you are safe. And please don’t forget to set up 2-factor authentication (2FA).
NOTE: a scammer that can access your email, can access your other online accounts using the ‘forgot password’ feature which often sends you an email.
3. Ignore the Scammer
You will agree with me that sometimes the best response is NO RESPONSE.
The moment the scammer notices fear in you they will press hard and harder until you give in.
So, ignore the email and avoid any temptation to respond.
[READ: Seven Common Mistakes Crypto Investors and Traders Make]
4. Don’t Click any Link
Clicking on links or downloading files from strangers can be dangerous.
So, if the email came with a link then you must make sure to avoid the temptation of clicking it.
Ignore the link and any attachments.
[READ: Best VPN For Crypto Trading]
5. Don’t pay any Ransom
It doesn’t matter how scared you are, blackmailers don’t stop, and paying them makes things even worse.
First, it confirms to them that you believe what they said, and they will likely continue to blackmail you.
You cannot trust a blackmailer just because they promised to stop when you pay up.
So, the best thing to do is to not pay any ransom.
Conclusion
These are some of the major things to do when you receive Bitcoin ransom email.
Go ahead and share this post with your friends and family if you find it helpful.
You really don’t want your loved ones to get scammed, or do you?
read also:
- 5 Best Crypto Exchanges to Use
- Top Tips on How To Avoid Crypto Scams
- Important Things to Know Before Investing in Cryptocurrency
IMPORTANT; you must never send money to anyone you meet online asking to help you invest in cryptocurrency. They are scammers. Crypto is easy, and you can do it all by yourself.
DISCLAIMER:
The information presented here should not be used as the sole basis of any investment decisions, nor should it be construed as financial, tax, legal, or accounting advice. I will also advise that you invest in cryptocurrency only what you are comfortable living without, at least temporarily.