Sextortion Scammers Target Thousands with Fake Threats and $2,000 Bitcoin Demands

Cybersecurity experts are warning about a new sextortion campaign that is targeting thousands of people whose email addresses were exposed in previous data breaches. The attackers are using stolen information from old breaches to make threatening emails appear legitimate, demanding $2,000 in Bitcoin while claiming they possess private photos, browsing history and personal conversations.

The scammers appear to have downloaded previously leaked databases and are using the information to create convincing threats. Fake hackers claim device access and threaten victims, but there is no evidence that the attackers behind these emails actually belong to ShinyHunters or that they gained access to victims' devices.

Experts say sextortion scams rely heavily on psychological manipulation rather than technical hacking. By including accurate details such as a victim's email address and the name of a company involved in a past breach, criminals create the illusion that they have deeper access than they actually do.

Betterment, one of the companies whose customers are being targeted, warned its users not to respond or make payments to the scammers. 'These messages are part of a common extortion scam designed to intimidate recipients,' Betterment said. The company added, 'Please note, knowing an email address does not provide the ability to install malware or access someone's device.'