Your Device Was Compromised Email Scam

What is your device was compromised email scam?

Typically, scammers behind sextortion email scams threaten to share embarrassing images or a video about the recipients. The main purpose of these scams is to trick recipients into believing that such images or a video exist and paying scammers money for not releasing the compromising material.

your device was compromised email scam

Your device was compromised email scam in detail

Scammers behind this particular sextortion scam claim that they have collected information such as visited websites and sent text messages. Also, they claim that they have had access to the webcam and microphone.

Their goal is to trick recipients into believing that all the collected information and other content will be shared with people in the contact list and published online if recipients do not pay $1650 in Bitcoins to the provided email address.

Scammers behind emails of this type counting on recipients to act out of fear - they do not actually have any compromising or sensitive material. Therefore, such emails should be ignored and reported.

It is worth mentioning that sextortion email scams can have a spoofed sender's email address (have the email address of the targeted victim). This technique is used to trick recipients into believing that scammers have broken into their accounts (or even computers).

Another technique that scammers use to make their emails look more believable is to include passwords in their emails. Typically, included passwords are old - scammers use passwords purchased on the dark web that were leaked after data breaches.

Threat Summary:
Name	Your device was compromised email scam
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Fake Claim	Sensitive information has been collected and will be published unless a ransom is paid
Cyber Criminal Cryptowallet Address	1C8a9b9X5vVCDNbspzxFYiJGAR5v9YMPtF, 15WTKC6bCqVan52htetNa4ygvLh2cfsSp6
Ransom Size	$1650 in Bitcoins
Symptoms	Unauthorized online purchases, changed online account passwords, identity theft, illegal access of the computer.
Distribution methods	Deceptive emails, rogue online pop-up ads, search engine poisoning techniques, misspelled domains.
Damage	Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft.
Malware Removal (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Sextortion scams in general

Most sextortion scams are pretty similar (more examples of similar emails are "I Am A Professional Programmer Who Specializes In Hacking Email Scam", "I Have Got Two Not Really Pleasant News For You Email Scam", and "I Have To Share Bad News With You Email Scam"). Most of them threaten to publish humiliating photos, videos, or other material and demand ransom payment.

It is important to mention that email can be used as a channel to distribute malware. As a rule, emails of this type contain a malicious website link or attachment.

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

When cybercriminals use emails to deliver malware, they send malicious links or files (attachments). Their goal is to trick recipients into downloading and then opening/executing a malicious file.

Usually, cybercriminals claim that the file attached to their email is some document, for example, purchase order or an invoice. Although files downloaded via emails of this type are malicious - they are designed to infect computers with ransomware, some trojan, or other malware.

Typically, emails used to deliver malware contain a malicious Microsoft Office document, PDF document, ZIP, RAR or another archive file, JavaScript file, some executable file. Recipients infect computers when they execute one or another malicious file.

It is worth mentioning that malicious documents opened with Microsoft Office 2010 or newer do not install malware unless users enable editing or content (macros commands). Older MS Office versions do not have the "Protected View" mode that prevents opened malicious documents from infecting computers.

How to avoid installation of malware?

It is important to update and activate installed programs with implemented functions or tools that are provided by their official developers. Third-party, unofficial tools often have some malware hidden in them and it is not legal to use cracked programs or cracking tools.

Website links and attachments in irrelevant emails should not be opened, especially when emails of this kind are received from unknown, suspicious senders. It is important to examine such emails - files or links in them could be used to distribute malicious software.

Furthermore, it is recommended to download software, files from official websites and via direct links. Files, programs downloaded via Peer-to-Peer networks, unofficial pages, third-party downloaders, etc., or installed via third-party installers could be malicious.

Additionally, it is advised to scan a computer for viruses regularly and to it with a reputable antivirus or anti-spyware software. If you've already opened malicious attachments, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Appearance of the your device was compromised email scam (GIF):

your device was compromised email scam appearance

Text presented in this email:

Subject: With reference to your cloud storage

I am sorry to inform you that your device was compromised.

I'll explain what led to all of this. I have used a Zero Day vulnerability with a special code to infect your device through a website.
This is a complicated software that requires precise skills that I have. It works as a chain with specially crafted and unique code and that’s why this type of an attack can go undetected.
You only need one not patched vulnerability to be infected, and unfortunately for you – it works that simple.

You were not targeted specifically, but just became one of the quite a few unlucky people who got hacked that day.
All of this happened a few month ago. So I’ve had time to collect information on you.

I think you already know what is going to happen next.
During that time, my software was quietly collecting c
There is more to it, but I have listed a few reasons for you to understand how serious this is.

For you to clearly understand, my software controlled your camera and microphone as well and it was impossible for you to know about it.
It was just about right timing for me to get you privacy violated.

I’ve been waiting enough and have decided that it’s time to put an end to this.
So here is my offer. Let’s name this a “consulting fee” I need to delete the media content I have been collecting.
Your privacy stays untouched, if I get the payment.
Otherwise, I will leak the most damaging content to your contacts and post it to a public tube for perverts to explore.

I understand how damaging this will be for you, and amount is not that big for you to keep your privacy.
Please dont blame me – we all have different ways of making a living.

I have no intention of destroying your reputation or life, but only if I get paid.
I don’t care about you personally, that's why you can be sure that all files I have and software on your device will be deleted immediately after I receive the transfer.
I only care about getting paid.

My modest consulting fee is 1650 US Dollars transferred in Bitcoin. Exchange rate at the time of the transfer.
You need to send that amount to this wallet: 1C8a9b9X5vVCDNbspzxFYiJGAR5v9YMPtF, 1NGCsGqSdNEKpptQ4DKbJEva59cTSk369o, 1HSb4fZHmyNro5LGyjQFpcDwqKjRUqJhh2

The fee is non negotiable, to be transferred within 2 business days.
We use Bitcoin to protect my identity.

Obviously do not try to ask for any help from anybody unless you want your privacy to violated.
I will monitor your every move until I get paid. If you keep your end of the agreement, you wont hear from me ever again.

Take care.

Instant automatic malware removal:

Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner

By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Types of malicious emails:

If you opened an attachment or downloaded a file from a suspicious email, run a full system scan with Combo Cleaner. If you only received the email and didn't engage with it, you don't need to scan anything - just identify the scam and delete it. The full procedure below covers both situations and what to do if you already clicked, replied, or sent money.

Credential theft Phishing emails

Fake login pages disguised as PayPal, Microsoft, Apple, banks, or social networks. The email pushes a link to a near-perfect copy of the real login screen. The moment you type your username and password, the attacker has them.

Common subject lines

"Action required: confirm your account"
"Your password expires today"
"Unusual sign-in attempt detected"
"Verify your billing information"

Malware delivery Emails with malicious attachments

Trojans hidden inside fake invoices, faxes, shipping confirmations, or Office documents. Opening the attachment runs the payload and infects the system - often with an info-stealer or remote-access trojan.

Common subject lines

"Invoice INV-2026-XXXX attached"
"Fax received - 3 pages"
"Your shipping document is ready"
"Voicemail from +1-XXX-XXX-XXXX"

Example email with a fake invoice attachment

Extortion Sextortion emails

Fake claims of webcam recordings demanding cryptocurrency. Almost always a bluff: the attacker pulls a real password from an old data breach to make the threat look credible, then claims to have video of you. They have no recording and no access.

Common subject lines

"I know your password is XXXX"
"Your account has been hacked"
"I have recorded you - 48 hours to pay"
"You have been compromised"

Example sextortion email demanding bitcoin payment

Callback fraud Refund & callback scams

"Your subscription was renewed for $499 - call to cancel." Norton, McAfee, Geek Squad, PayPal, and Wells Fargo variants are all common. There's no real subscription. The phone number in the email connects directly to the scammer, who walks you through "refunding" yourself - which is actually them stealing money from your bank.

Common subject lines

"Norton subscription auto-renewed - $499.99"
"McAfee Total Protection invoice"
"Geek Squad order confirmation"
"Your PayPal payment is being processed"

Example fake Norton or McAfee subscription renewal email

Credential theft Account suspension & verification scams

"Your account will be deleted in 24 hours - verify now." The artificial deadline is the whole point: it pressures you to click before checking details. The "verify" link goes to a phishing page styled to look like the real provider.

Common subject lines

"Your account will be deleted in 24 hours"
"Suspicious activity detected - verify now"
"Final warning: account closure"
"Action required to keep your account active"

Mixed payload Delivery & package scams

Fake DHL, USPS, UPS, or FedEx tracking, customs fees, or "package undeliverable" notices. Targets anyone expecting a parcel - the timing alone catches many people. The link hides either phishing (asking for card details to "release" the package) or a malware download.

Common subject lines

"Your DHL package is held at customs"
"USPS - delivery attempt failed"
"FedEx tracking update - action required"
"Pay $2.99 redelivery fee to release your parcel"

Example fake DHL/USPS/FedEx delivery notification

Remote access Tech support scams

Fake Microsoft, Apple, or "Windows Defender" security alerts pushing a phone number. Real Microsoft and Apple never email a phone number to call. The number connects you to a scammer who asks for remote access to "fix" the imaginary problem and then demands payment.

Common subject lines

"Microsoft Defender expired - renew now"
"Apple ID security alert"
"Critical: virus detected on your PC"
"Windows license expired - call now"

Example fake Microsoft or Apple tech support alert email

Wire fraud Advance-fee scams

Inheritance, lottery wins, romance, or business deals that ask for a small fee to release a much larger sum. The classic "Nigerian prince" 419 family of frauds. Once you pay the first fee, more fees appear (taxes, lawyer, transfer charges) until you stop paying. The promised money never exists.

Common subject lines

"Inheritance from a relative you didn't know about"
"You won the international lottery"
"URGENT - business proposal worth $XX million"
"Compensation fund release for fraud victims"

Wire fraud Business email compromise (BEC)

CEO impersonation asking employees to wire money or buy gift cards, or fake supplier invoices with newly "updated" bank details for payment redirection. The email often spoofs a real internal executive's display name and uses an external lookalike domain.

Common subject lines

"Quick task - need you to buy gift cards"
"Updated banking details for invoice payment"
"Wire transfer request - urgent"
"Are you available?" (CEO impersonation opener)

Example business email compromise wire-transfer request

How to spot a malicious email?

Phase 1~ 2 min

Spot - identify the red flags

Check the sender's actual address, not the display name

30 sec

The display name (the human-readable part) is trivial to fake. Always check the full address that comes after it. Common red flags:

Domain mismatch - service@paypa1.com, support@micros0ft-help.com, look-alike domains using digits or extra hyphens
Free-email impersonation - any "official" message from a bank, courier, or platform sent from a @gmail.com, @outlook.com, or @yahoo.com address
Reply-To mismatch - the From address looks legitimate but Reply-To points somewhere completely different

Why this matters

Real companies own their domains and send mail from them. A "DHL" message from a Gmail address is never legitimate, regardless of how convincing the body looks.

Watch for urgency, threats, and generic greetings

30 sec

Scams almost always rush you. The point is to make you act before you think. Treat any of the following as a strong signal:

"Your account will be deleted in 24 hours"
"Final notice" / "Immediate action required"
"Dear Customer" or "Dear User" instead of your real name
Threats of fines, account closure, legal action, or arrest
Promises of refunds, prizes, or money you didn't earn
Spelling and grammar mistakes in messages claiming to come from a major brand

Hover over every link before clicking

30 sec

On a desktop, hover the mouse over the link without clicking. The real destination shows in the bottom-left status bar of your browser or email client. On a phone, long-press the link to preview the URL.

Real Microsoft, PayPal, or bank links go to those exact domains, not redirects through unrelated sites
Shortened URLs (bit.ly, tinyurl, t.co) hide the real destination - never click them in unsolicited mail
The visible link text and the actual URL must match - mismatches are the single biggest phishing red flag

Pro tip

When in doubt, don't click the link. Open a new browser tab and type the company's address yourself, then log in normally. If there really is an issue with your account, you'll see it there.

Treat unexpected attachments as hostile

30 sec

If you didn't ask for the file, don't open it - even if it appears to come from someone you know. Categories that should never be opened from email without verification through another channel:

.exe, .scr, .iso, .img, .vbs, .bat - executables, never legitimate attachments
.docx, .xlsx, .pptx with "Enable macros" prompts - the macros run the malware
.pdf with "Click here to view" buttons - usually a phishing redirect, not a real document
.zip, .rar, .7z archives, especially password-protected ones - the password defeats the email scanner

Phase 2~ 2 min

Report and delete - if you haven't engaged

If you only received the email and didn't reply, click, or open anything, the steps below are all you need. Your computer is not infected.

Don't reply, don't click "unsubscribe"

30 sec

Replying confirms your address is real and monitored, which gets you added to higher-value scam lists. The "unsubscribe" link in a scam message is rarely a real opt-out - it usually leads to a phishing page or downloads a tracking pixel.

Instead, mark the message as junk or phishing inside your email client (this trains the spam filter), then block the sender.

Report the scam to your email provider and authorities

1 min

Inside your email client:

Gmail: open the message → ⋮ menu → Report phishing
Outlook / Outlook.com: ⋯ menu → Report → Report phishing
Apple Mail / iCloud: Move to Junk, then forward to reportphishing@apple.com

Forward or report to authorities:

International: forward to reportphishing@apwg.org
United States: ic3.gov (FBI)
United Kingdom: forward phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk (NCSC SERS); for financial loss report at reportfraud.police.uk (Report Fraud, the successor to Action Fraud; 0300 123 2040)
Canada: antifraudcentre.ca
Australia: scamwatch.gov.au
EU: your national CERT - find yours via the ENISA CSIRT map

After reporting, delete the email and empty the Trash folder so you don't accidentally open it later.

Phase 3~ 10–60 min

Recover - if you already engaged with the scam

Pick the step below that matches what you did. If multiple apply, work through them in the order they appear - the steps are arranged from lowest to highest risk.

You only clicked a link (didn't enter anything or download anything)

Scenario: clicked link only10 min

Close the page right away. Don't enter any information, even if the page looks legitimate.

Clear your browser cache and cookies for the last hour - Chrome/Edge: Ctrl+Shift+Del → Last hour → check Cookies and Cached files
Run a quick scan with Combo Cleaner in case the page tried to drop a file silently (drive-by download)
Update your browser to the latest version - most drive-by exploits target outdated browsers
Watch for new browser pop-ups, redirects, or unfamiliar notifications over the next few days

Why this matters

Modern browsers block most drive-by attacks, but a single click on a phishing page can still be enough on an outdated browser or unpatched plugin. A quick scan catches anything that landed silently.

You opened an attachment or downloaded a file - run a full malware scan

Scenario: opened attachment⚠ Highest risk60–90 min

Opening an attachment is the most common path to actual infection. Treat the system as compromised until the scans below come back clean. Work through these sub-steps in order:

8.1Disconnect from the network

Unplug Ethernet and turn off Wi-Fi. If the attachment was an info-stealer or remote-access trojan, this stops it from sending data out or receiving commands. Keep the network off until you've booted into Safe Mode (next step) - you'll reconnect there briefly to download the scanners.

8.2Boot into Safe Mode with Networking, then download the scanners

Windows 11: Settings → System → Recovery → Advanced startup → Restart now → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → press 5 or F5.

Windows 10: hold Shift, click Power → Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → press F5.

Once Safe Mode has loaded, turn Wi-Fi back on and download Combo Cleaner (used in 8.4) and Microsoft Safety Scanner (used in 8.5). Safe Mode loads only minimal drivers, so most malware can't auto-run while you're getting the tools. Save both installers to your Desktop.

8.3Run Microsoft Defender Offline

Reboot to normal Windows. Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now. The PC restarts into a stripped-down environment and scans the disk before Windows fully loads - this is what catches rootkits and bootkits.

Recommended antivirus

Combo Cleaner

VB100 certified. Includes anti-trojan, registry/persistence scanning, and anti-spyware in one pass. The 7-day free trial is available.

Download Combo Cleaner

8.4Run a full Combo Cleaner scan

Install Combo Cleaner and run a full system scan (not the quick scan). Let it complete fully, review what it found, and apply the recommended actions. Combo Cleaner will quarantine known trojans and remove their persistence in the registry.

8.5Run Microsoft Safety Scanner as a second-opinion scan

Download Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT.exe). The binary expires every 10 days, which means every download has the latest signatures. Run a full scan after Combo Cleaner to catch anything one engine alone might miss.

8.6Reset browsers and clear notification permissions

Many email-borne trojans drop adware that hijacks browsers. Reset each browser you use:

Chrome: chrome://settings/reset → Restore settings to their original defaults. Then chrome://settings/content/notifications - remove unfamiliar sites.

Edge: edge://settings/reset. Then edge://settings/content/notifications.

Firefox: about:support → Refresh Firefox.

8.7Re-enable Defender, Tamper Protection, and update everything

Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings and confirm Real-time protection, Cloud-delivered protection, and Tamper Protection are all on. Then run Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates and update browsers and applications.

Important

If the scans keep finding new threats on each run, or files reappear after deletion, you may have a deeper compromise that needs a clean Windows reinstall. See pcrisk's full manual malware removal guide for the extended procedure (Process Explorer, Autoruns, hosts file inspection).

You entered credentials on a fake login page

Scenario: shared password⚠ Act fast20 min

Assume the attacker has your password and is using it right now. Speed matters.

Change the password from a different, known-clean device (your phone is fine if it's not infected). Don't reuse the old password anywhere else.
Enable two-factor authentication if you haven't already. Prefer an authenticator app or hardware key over SMS.
Sign out of all sessions - most platforms have a "sign out everywhere" option in security settings, which kicks the attacker out.
Review recent activity - look for unfamiliar logins, new devices, forwarding rules, or app permissions. Remove anything you don't recognize.
Check your other accounts - if you reused that password anywhere else, change it there too. Check your exposure at haveibeenpwned.com.
Update security questions - the attacker may have seen the answers in your account profile.

Why email comes first

If you only have time to change one password, change your primary email password - it's the recovery hub for every other account. An attacker who controls your email can reset everything else.

You sent money or shared bank, card, or ID details

Scenario: financial loss⚠ Contact bank now30 min

Time is the single biggest factor in recovering money. Banks can sometimes recall a wire or reverse a card transaction within the first few hours.

Call your bank or card issuer immediately. Use the number on the back of the card, not any number from the scam email. Ask them to freeze the card, reverse the transaction if possible, and flag the account for fraud monitoring.
If you sent a wire transfer or used a money-transfer service (Western Union, MoneyGram, Zelle, Wise), call them directly and request a recall. Some can be reversed within minutes if reported fast.
If you sent cryptocurrency or gift cards, recovery is unlikely - but report it anyway, since law enforcement tracks these patterns.
File a police report. You'll need the report number for any insurance, bank, or credit-bureau claim. Save the report number.
File with the right authority for your country:
- US: ic3.gov + reportfraud.ftc.gov
- UK: reportfraud.police.uk (Report Fraud, the successor to Action Fraud; 0300 123 2040)
- Canada: antifraudcentre.ca
- Australia: scamwatch.gov.au
- EU: your national CERT or police cybercrime unit
Set fraud alerts on all major credit bureaus if you shared any ID details. US: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion. UK: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion (Cifas Protective Registration is a stronger option).
Save all evidence - the original email (with full headers), screenshots of the fake site, transaction records, any phone numbers or chat logs.

Phase 4~ 15 min + 30 days

Verify & monitor

Final scan and startup-app check

15 min

Reconnect to the network and run one final full scan with Combo Cleaner, followed by a Windows Defender quick scan. Then open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and switch to Startup apps - disable anything unfamiliar.

Make sure Windows, browsers, and any applications you use are fully up to date. The infection vector that worked on you once usually involves outdated software.

Monitor accounts and credit for 30 days

5 min/day · 30 days

Most fraud follow-ups land in the first month. Until that window closes, keep watching:

Bank and card statements - daily for the first week, then weekly
Email - watch for password-reset confirmations or login alerts you didn't trigger
Credit report - US: free at annualcreditreport.com; UK: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion all have free tiers
Breach alerts - sign up at haveibeenpwned.com to be notified when your email appears in new leaks

If anything new appears in any of those, treat it as a continuing compromise: change passwords again, contact the bank again, and update the police report.

Important: If you didn't click anything, didn't reply, and didn't open any attachment, your computer is not infected - just delete the email and move on. If you opened an attachment or downloaded a file, run an automated scan with Combo Cleaner and Windows Defender and stop there. That path catches the vast majority of email-borne malware without the risk of breaking Windows by deleting the wrong file.