FRESNO, California – Cody Sarhan, Communications Specialist
A new twist on an old scams is now aimed directly at married couples, claiming that one spouse has been unfaithful and providing links to supposed evidence or “proof” of the betrayal. These scams follow a familiar playbook: cybercriminals falsely claim to have hacked your computer and obtained compromising images or videos, then demand payment to keep the material from being released publicly — to your family and friends.
It’s unsettling and designed to make you panic, but here’s the reality: this is a fresh spin on an old scam tactic called “sextortion,” and it’s all about tricking you into a costly mistake.
Learn More: Find out how Xobee can safeguard your data from external threats
Cybercriminals are getting bolder and smarter. They’re using personal details found on various websites and social media accounts to make their threats more convincing, and with the explosion of AI, you can begin to see how these threats might be more convincing than ever. Let’s dive into how this new sextortion scam works and what you can do to keep yourself and ultimately your business safe.
What is This New Sextortion Scam?
Scammers have upped their game. Instead of the typical sextortion emails claiming they have embarrassing photos or videos, these scammers are now posing as cybersecurity experts. They send an email claiming your spouse has been caught cheating, offering “proof” through a suspicious link. They back up their claim by using details or names that seem difficult to get or more private. The goal? To shock you into clicking the link.
This tactic makes the scam feel more personal and convincing. Some victims reported seeing the full names of their spouses, maiden names, or even pet names that they only shared on niche websites or platforms. This specificity can be unsettling, and that’s exactly what the scammers are counting on.
🎥 Video Curiosity of Fox 4 Dallas-Forth Worth
How Are They Getting Your Information?
The details used in these scams can come from a variety of sources. It could be the result of a past data breach, public records, or even information shared on less secure websites or social media. In one example, recipients noted that the names used were shared on popular wedding planning sites. While it’s unclear if there was a data breach, it demonstrates how personal information can easily find its way into the wrong hands.
The scammers send these emails from different domains, with subject lines like “Hi [name], please check this report.” Inside, they claim to have hacked into a spouse’s devices, gathered incriminating data, and offer to share this “proof” for a price.
📷 Example Email Curiosity of BleepingComputer
Why You Shouldn’t Take the Bait
It’s easy to see why someone might panic and click the link or even pay the ransom. But here’s the truth: it’s a scam. The emails are designed to manipulate emotions and trick recipients into making a hasty decision.
By clicking on the link, you could be exposing yourself to malware or phishing sites designed to steal your personal information. Some recipients reported that the link led to a login page, which was likely an attempt to capture passwords or other sensitive data. Others suspected it was a way to install malware on their devices.
If you open these emails from a work computer or from a device such as a laptop or phone that is connected to your work accounts, you can easily see how clicking on just one of these links, can breach your company’s data and infest your internal systems.
What Should You Do if You Receive One of These Emails?
If you receive one of these alarming emails, here’s what you need to do:
- Don’t Panic. Recognize the email for what it is — a scam.
- Do Not Click Any Links. Clicking could lead to malware or phishing sites that compromise your data.
- Delete the Email Immediately. Remove it from your inbox and trash folder.
- Report It. You can report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission or your local authorities. It may help prevent others from falling victim.
Xobee Networks: Your Partner in Cybersecurity
At Xobee Networks, we understand that cybersecurity is a necessity when it comes to protecting your data. That’s why we offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to protect your business from threats like sextortion scams. Our services include virus protection, spam filtering, and proactive monitoring to keep you safe. We also provide IT consulting, cloud hosting solutions, backup redundancies, and disaster recovery to ensure your business stays secure and operational in the event of a breach.
Don’t leave your cybersecurity to chance. Reach out to Xobee Networks today and learn how we can help protect your business from emerging threats.
Xobee Networks now has engineers servicing clients within Fresno, Clovis, Madera, San Jose, Sacramento, San Francisco & the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Las Vegas, Bakersfield, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Anaheim, Palm Springs, and more.
Cody Sarhan | Communications Specialist, Xobee Networks
