Crypto sextortion scammers shifting from Bitcoin to Litecoin and other altcoins
- The sextortion scam involves tricking users by claiming that their device is hacked.
- Scammers will most likely continue switching the accepted crypto to prolong the scam and avoid phishing detection.
Crypto sextortion and phishing scammers are avoiding detection by email filters by using Litecoin and other popular altcoins instead of Bitcoin. Cofense, a web security platform that specializes in detecting and preventing phishing scams, pointed out a new crypto-based sextortion scam utilizing LTC in its report.
“Previous iterations showed a gradual shift away from identifiable patterns and to alternative cryptocurrencies, in an attempt to foil SEG bitcoin-detection rules. The current emails appear to be crafted to contain very few searchable word patterns.”
The sextortion scam involves tricking users by claiming that their device is hacked, including their adult-search web history and webcam footage. The scammers then demand a ransom in crypto to avoid information from being released publicly. Cofense stated that many operations aim users from password breaches, giving more authenticity to the initial phishing email.
Cofense also stated that scammers will most likely continue switching the accepted crypto to prolong the scam and avoid phishing detection. They advise users to ignore phishing emails and take careful steps with email addresses that have become a target for scams.
Author
Rajarshi Mitra
Independent Analyst
Rajarshi entered the blockchain space in 2016. He is a blockchain researcher who has worked for Blockgeeks and has done research work for several ICOs. He gets regularly invited to give talks on the blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies.
