Sextortion scammers have stepped up their business, using targeted phishing and their new “We know where you live” strategy to blackmail victims, sometimes using photos of their homes.
Targeted attacks are harder to detect by spam filters, making victims more likely to pay to avoid threats. Criminals often gather sensitive information from the dark web and contact victims, claiming to have compromised content. In addition, the use of QR codes makes payments easier, with the amounts they demand having increased significantly in the last year.
Read more: Instagram: New safety features to protect teens from sextortion
Continuously evolving and personalized attacks
Researchers have found that scammers are using detailed personal information to create phishing emails, known as spear phishing. These emails are addressed directly to the victim, using their name, and include targeted information, such as their address and phone number. Barracuda presented examples that suggest the scammer is near the victim, using images from Google Maps to show their location.
Extortion often targets vulnerable teens
Teens in the US are particularly vulnerable to scams , with nearly 27,000 confirmed cases in 2023, driven by emotional factors such as embarrassment and shame. These cases have led to nearly 30 suicides, according to the BBC. In Michigan, two Nigerians were convicted of extortion that led to the death of a 17-year-old.
See also: Instagram: New safety features to protect teens from sextortion
Meta Platforms has removed over 65,000 accounts associated with the “Yahoo Boys” network, while Snapchat has launched its own anti-extortion campaign. Barracuda suggests several ways to prevent this, such as protecting against phishing emails and providing awareness training.
Source: cybernews
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