Avoid getting scammed by emails claiming to have all of your private data

What is "Im in possession of all of your private data Email Scam"?

"Im in possession of all of your private data Email Scam" refers to a spam campaign. These emails use the sextortion scam model, and there are three known variations of the deceptive messages they use. In essence, all variants claim to have obtained a sexually explicit video of the recipient and threaten to leak it - unless a ransom is paid.

It must be emphasized that all of the claims made by these emails - are false. Therefore, the letters pose no threat to the recipients.

"Im in possession of all of your private data Email Scam" in detail

The three versions of the "Im in possession of all of your private data" scam emails vary little. The common through-line includes: excuses for poor grammar, claims of a system infection having originated from an adult-themed site, use of the hijacked webcam to record a compromising video of the recipient, and the ransom demands.

Depending on the variant, recipients are given from 21 to 26 hours to pay a ransom worth 660/680 EUR or 800 USD in Bitcoin cryptocurrency. Additionally, the letters state that the recipients' contact data has been exfiltrated. Should victims refuse to meet the ransom demands - the nonexistent recordings will be sent to their contacts.

As mentioned in the introduction, these emails are scams, and no videos of the recipient exist in the scammers' possession. Hence, the "Im in possession of all of your private data" letters must be simply ignored.

Spam campaigns in general

"This is the last reminder", "I am sorry to inform you but your device was hacked", "Unfortunately, there are some bad news for you" are a few examples of sextortion spam campaigns.

Scam emails use various models and false claims to gain and abuse victims' trust. These campaigns are also used for phishing and even malware (e.g., trojan, ransomware, etc.) proliferation. Spam mail is widespread; therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution with incoming emails and messages.

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Systems are infected via virulent files spread through spam campaigns. These files can be attached to and/or linked inside the emails. Infectious files can be archives, executables, PDF and Microsoft Office documents, JavaScript, etc. Upon being opened - malware download/installation is initiated.

For example, Microsoft Office documents cause infections by executing malicious macro commands. This process begins when a document is opened in Microsoft Office versions released prior to 2010.

Newer versions have "Protected View" mode that prevents automatic execution of macros. Instead, users can manually enable macro commands (i.e., editing/content). It is noteworthy that virulent documents often contain deceptive messages intended to trick users into doing so.

How to avoid installation of malware?

To avoid infecting the system via spam mail, it is advised against opening dubious/irrelevant emails - especially their attachments and links, which are potential infection origins. It is also recommended to use Microsoft Office versions released after 2010.

Aside from spam emails, malware is spread via untrustworthy download channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), illegal activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. Therefore, it is important to only download from official/verified sources and activate/update programs with tools provided by genuine developers.

It is paramount to have a dependable anti-virus installed and kept updated. This software has to be used to run regular system scans and to remove threats. If you've already opened malicious attachments, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Text presented in one of the "Im in possession of all of your private data" scam email variants:

Subject: If you want us to be silent, read

 

Hi,

 

Hope u will not really mind my english language sentence structure, since
im from Philippines. I infected your device with a virus and im in
possession of all of your private data from your os.

 

It was set up on an adult webpage and after that you have selected the
video clip, clicked on it, my application instantly gain access to your
system.

 

Next, your webcam documented you hand fucking, in addition i captured a
video that you've looked at.

 

Immediately after a short while in addition, it pulled out all of your
social contact info. If you ever wish me to remove your all that i currently
have - transfer me 660 eu in btc it is a crypto. This is my btc wallet
number - bc1qk06ykg8v97r6pylak0vae9azvnzrkgm9mt97z5

 

At this moment you will have 21 hours. to make a decision When i will
receive the transaction i will wipe out this video and every thing
completely. If not, you should be sure that the footage is going to be
submitted to your contacts.

 

Do Not Reply to This Email

Screenshot of another version of the "Im in possession of all of your private data" scam email:

Text presented in this variant:

Subject: Please dont make an even more fool of yourself

 

Hello there,

 

Wish u do not care about my english grammar, considering that i am from
Indonesia. I infected your gadget with a virus and im in possession of all
of your private data out of your os.

 

It previously was established on a mature page and then you have picked the
movie, viewed it, my software instantly gain access to your os.

 

After that, your camera started to record you flying solo, in addition i
captured a vid that you have viewed.

 

Immediately after a while additionally, it picked up all your device
contact information. If you wish me to wipe off your everything i have got -
send me 800 dollars in btc it's a cryptocurrency. Its my btc account address
 : bc1qjw86ve0ll9x4xyzsl74qpfresxuyfnw50x8v57

 

At this point you have 26 hr s. to make up your mind The moment i will
receive the transfer i'm going eliminate this movie and every thing
completely. Or else, you should remember that your video would be submitted
to all of your contacts.

 

Do Not Reply to This Email

Screenshot of yet another version of the "Im in possession of all of your private data" scam email:

Text presented in this variant:

Subject: Read before your buddies will see the other side of you

Hello there,

 

Expect you will not mind my language grammar, considering that im from
Indonesia. I toxified your gadget with a trojan and now have all of your
personal files out of your operating-system.

 

It previously was installed on an adult page then you have picked the
online video and  it, my software quickly got into your computer.

 

After that, your webcam started to record you hand partying, in addition i
captured a vid that you have looked at.

 

Immediately after a little while in addition, it pulled out every one of
your social contact info. If you ever would like me to wipe off your
everything i currently have - transfer me 680 euros in bitcoin it is a
cryptocurrency. It is my btc wallet transfer address -
bc1qtlpdvfhsv4lr8a90em222ewvr32670wl9eu3qp

 

At this moment you will have 22 hrs. to produce a decision When i will
receive the transaction i'm going wipe out this evidence and every little
thing completely. If not, you should be certain that your evidence will be
submitted to your buddies.

 

Do Not Reply to This Email

Another example of "Im in possession of all of your private data" scam email:

Text presented within:

Subject: I got lots of interesting things from your computer

 

Hello,

Wish u do not mind my language grammar, because i'm from Philippines. I
contaminated your gadget with a malware and im in possession of your private
info out of your operating system.

It was installed on an adult web site then you have picked the online video
and  it, my software immediately gain access to your system.

Afterward, your webcamera started to record you wank, also i caught a movie
that you have looked at.

After a short while furthermore, it pulled out every one of your social
contact info. In case u need me to erase your all that i have - transmit me
600 dollars in bitcoin it is a cryptocurrency. Its my btc account transfer
address - bc1qjw86ve0ll9x4xyzsl74qpfresxuyfnw50x8v57

Now you have 25hours. to decide As soon as i will receive the transfer i'll
get rid of this footage and every little thing completely. Otherwise, you
should be sure that the video will be sent to all your buddies.

Do Not Reply to This Email

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:

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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"

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"

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"

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"

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"

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)

How to spot a malicious email?

Phase 1~ 2 min

Spot - identify the red flags

---

1

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.

2

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

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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.

7

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.

8

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).

9

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.

1. 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.
2. Enable two-factor authentication if you haven't already. Prefer an authenticator app or hardware key over SMS.
3. Sign out of all sessions - most platforms have a "sign out everywhere" option in security settings, which kicks the attacker out.
4. Review recent activity - look for unfamiliar logins, new devices, forwarding rules, or app permissions. Remove anything you don't recognize.
5. Check your other accounts - if you reused that password anywhere else, change it there too. Check your exposure at haveibeenpwned.com.
6. 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.

10

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. If you sent cryptocurrency or gift cards, recovery is unlikely - but report it anyway, since law enforcement tracks these patterns.
4. File a police report. You'll need the report number for any insurance, bank, or credit-bureau claim. Save the report number.
5. 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
6. 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).
7. 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

---

11

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.

12

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did I receive this email?

Spam emails are not personal. These letters are distributed by thousands in large-scale operations.

Was my computer actually hacked and does the sender have any information?

No, the "Im in possession of all of your private data" email is a scam. Therefore, neither has your device been infected, nor do the scammers have the recordings they claim to.

How did cyber criminals get my email password?

Access to your email account might have been gained after a data breach. Alternatively, you may have fallen victim to a phishing scam at some point. For example, you may have provided your log-in credentials (passwords) to deceptive or fake sign-in/registration websites.

I have sent cryptocurrency to the address presented in this email, can I get my money back?

No, cryptocurrency transactions are practically irreversible. Hence, you will be unable to retrieve the funds you have transferred.

I have provided my personal information when tricked by a spam email, what should I do?

If you have provided account credentials - immediately change the passwords of all potentially compromised accounts. And if the disclosed information was of a different personal nature (e.g., ID card details, credit card numbers, etc.) - contact the corresponding authorities without delay.

I have read a spam email but didn't open the attachment, is my computer infected?

Reading a spam email will not trigger any infection processes. Malware download/installation is initiated by opening the attachments or clicking links present in such emails.

I have downloaded and opened a file attached to a spam email, is my computer infected?

Whether your system has been infected - depends on the format of the opened file. If it was an executable - then, most likely, yes. However, you may have avoided jumpstarting any infection chains - if it was a document (e.g., .doc, .pdf, etc.). These formats can require additional actions (e.g., macro command enablement, etc.) to start infection processes.

Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections present in email attachments?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices, as well as detect and eliminate most known malware infections. Additionally, running a full system scan is crucial - as sophisticated malicious programs typically hide deep within the system.