Extortion & Sextortion Email Scam
FBI IC3 2024: extortion/sextortion complaints surged 59% year-over-year to 54,936. Two main email patterns: (1) 'I know your password' — uses real leaked passwords from breach databases, (2) AI-generated fake images used to demand payment. FBI confirms: no recording exists in the password variant, paying only generates more demands.
Reports
54,936 FBI IC3 complaints 2024 — 59% surge year-over-year; $33.5M in losses
First documented
2017
Last active
2026-03
⚠ This page documents a reported scam email pattern for educational purposes. Sources are cited for all statistics and claims. ZeroScam is not affiliated with the IRS, FTC, FBI, or any government agency.
What this scam email says
Two main patterns: (1) Password variant: real leaked password in subject, fake webcam hack claim, Bitcoin payment demand. (2) AI image variant: scammer claims to have created compromising images using your real social media photos, demands payment to prevent distribution.
What this scam email looks like
From: [randomized address] Subject: Your privacy has been compromised I have been monitoring your device activity. I have obtained footage of you using your webcam. This footage will be distributed to your contacts within 48 hours unless you send $1,400 in Bitcoin to the address below. Bitcoin: [wallet address] I will know when you have viewed this email. Do not contact law enforcement — it will not help you. [No recording exists — this is always false per FBI IC3]
Reconstructed example for educational purposes. Not a verbatim reproduction.
Known scam email subject lines in this pattern
- •Your privacy has been compromised
- •Pay now or this video will be shared
- •48 hours to respond — urgent
- •I have access to your device
- •Final warning before distribution
- •You owe payment to prevent release
4 red flags
FBI IC3 2024: 59% surge in one year — 54,936 complaints
Password variant: the real password came from a data breach years ago, not a webcam hack
AI image variant: AI-generated fake images don't require hacking your device
FBI: paying always results in escalating demands — never a final payment
What to do
Do not pay under any circumstances
Report to FBI IC3 at ic3.gov immediately
Change any password that appeared in the email
Report to FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
Report this email scam
Source
FBI IC3 2024 — 54,936 extortion complaints, 59% surge from 2023, $33.5M in losses; FBI IC3 PSA June 2024 on sextortion targeting minors
https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2024/PSA240605 ↗Documented email subjects in this pattern
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Extortion & Sextortion Email Scam?▼
FBI IC3 2024: extortion/sextortion complaints surged 59% year-over-year to 54,936. Two main email patterns: (1) 'I know your password' — uses real leaked passwords from breach databases, (2) AI-generated fake images used to demand payment. FBI confirms: no recording exists in the password variant, paying only generates more demands.
How do I recognize a Extortion & Sextortion Email Scam?▼
Red flags: FBI IC3 2024: 59% surge in one year — 54,936 complaints; Password variant: the real password came from a data breach years ago, not a webcam hack; AI image variant: AI-generated fake images don't require hacking your device.
What should I do if I receive a Extortion & Sextortion Email Scam?▼
Do not pay under any circumstances Report to FBI IC3 at ic3.gov immediately Change any password that appeared in the email
How common is the Extortion & Sextortion Email Scam?▼
54,936 FBI IC3 complaints 2024 — 59% surge year-over-year; $33.5M in losses. First documented: 2017. Source: FBI IC3 2024 — 54,936 extortion complaints, 59% surge from 2023, $33.5M in losses; FBI IC3 PSA June 2024 on sextortion targeting minors.
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Check your email →Source: FBI IC3 2024 — 54,936 extortion complaints, 59% surge from 2023, $33.5M in losses; FBI IC3 PSA June 2024 on sextortion targeting minors
First documented: 2017 · Last active: 2026-03
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