Did you receive an email from Upkeep that says someone has gained access to your devices and has recorded some videos of you jerking off? Beware! It’s a blackmail email scam. This is also called sextortion or sexploitation.
Blackmail email scam is when a scammer threatens to publish a sexual or indecent video/images n unless they get paid not to. In most cases, they’ve no truth in them. However, in few personal circumstances it could be real.
In this scenario, it’s totally false as more than five hundred people have received similar email, even women. Why use the same words ‘jerking off’ for women when it’s a verb for male masturbation?
What is Upkeep?
Upkeep is an office application used for managing work orders, tracking assets, and scheduling teams time. Launched in 2015, the maintenance App is being impersonated by scammers claiming to have gained access to victim’s devices including their browser, history, and webcam.
Here’s what the email looks like –
Overview of The Upkeep Email Scam
The Upkeep Blackmail email claims videos of the receiver jerking off to highly controversial ”adult” videos would be sent to their family, colleagues, and all of their contacts. To avoid this, the victim is asked to send USD to a certain BTC Wallet.
There’s no need to panic, especially as the email doesn’t contain any evidence of you committing the said act. Your webcam may be accessed remotely, but only if you allow a malicious site to unload the malware onto your computer.
However, this is usually just another way for cybercriminals to exploit you and play into your emotions. This tactic is used to spark fear, as there’s always that doubt in people’s minds.
What To Do About this Blackmail Scam
- Do not respond to it no matter how real or convincing it sounds.
- Block and report the sender’s email address
- Delete the email
Even if the scammer continues sending the email, do not respond or give in to fear. If you’re unsure of your device’s safety, you should download an AntiViurus software and scan your devices for any malware.
It’s only a type of malware called Remote Access Trojans that can allow a hacker to turn on a webcam remotely.
If the email includes a lot of correct information, this may be due to a data breach, social engineering or purchased data. If you have any concerns, contact your IT supplier, and if the sender is linked to you, the authorities should be alerted.
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