Beware of the ‘Hey Pervert’ Email Scam

Hey Pervert Email Scam

A Reddit user recently shared their experience with a scam email that might send chills down your spine at first glance. They received a message that appeared to come from their own email address, claiming that their devices had been hacked and that compromising footage of them would be leaked unless they paid a hefty sum in Bitcoin.

The email started with an attention-grabbing line:

“Hey pervert, I’ve sent this message from your Microsoft account. I’ve gained access to your devices using Pegasus malware. I’ve recorded you during certain ‘activities’ and unless you send me money, I’m going to send it to all your friends.”

Scary, right? Especially when the email looks like it’s been sent from your own account. But before you panic, let’s break down how this scam actually works—and why you shouldn’t worry.

What Is the “Hey Pervert” Scam?

This scam is a form of sextortion that tries to blackmail victims into paying money to prevent the release of non-existent compromising footage. The scammers claim to have videos or photos of the recipient engaging in private acts, usually involving self-pleasure. They demand payment in Bitcoin, typically ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, threatening to send the footage to family and friends if the ransom isn’t paid.

To make the scam seem more legitimate, they often use tactics like:

  • Spoofing the “From” field so the email appears to come from your own account, making it seem like they’ve hacked you.
  • Including personal information like passwords or addresses, which they likely obtained from previous data breaches.
  • Setting a short deadline (usually 48 hours) to create a sense of urgency, so victims feel pressured to act quickly.

How Do They Get Your Data?

While the email might seem convincing, the scammers don’t actually have access to your devices or private files. They’re likely working with publicly available information from data breaches or websites where you’ve created accounts. Sketchy websites, especially those related to adult content or questionable downloads, can be common sources of leaked data.

In many cases, scammers retrieve old passwords or usernames from these leaks and use them to make their threats seem more credible. The email may also include references to Pegasus malware, a real spyware tool used for high-profile surveillance, but it’s unlikely they’re using it. The mention of Pegasus is just another way to scare victims into believing they’ve been hacked.

Is It Real?

No. The scammers do not have videos or photos of you, and they cannot send anything to your contacts. They rely on fear and embarrassment to push victims into paying, but the whole setup is fake. In reality, they are just sending out mass emails hoping to catch someone off guard.

How to Handle the “Hey Pervert” Email

If you receive one of these emails, here’s what you should do:

  1. Ignore It: Do not reply, and do not send any money. Responding to the scammer only confirms that your email address is active, potentially leading to more scam attempts in the future.

  2. Check the Email Header: If you’re still concerned, look at the email header to see the true origin of the message. This will usually confirm that the email wasn’t actually sent from your account, but from a spoofed address.

  3. Change Your Passwords: Even though this scam doesn’t indicate your devices were hacked, it’s always a good idea to update your passwords—especially if the scammer included one of your old ones in the email.

  4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Adding this extra layer of security to your email and online accounts can prevent actual hacking attempts in the future.

  5. Stay Calm: Remember, this is a common scam that has been circulating for years. Even if the email feels personalized, you’re not alone. Many people receive these kinds of threats, and they have no real basis.

Why This Scam Works

The “Hey Pervert” scam preys on our emotions—fear, shame, and urgency. By using real personal information, like an old password, and making it seem like the email was sent from your own address, the scammers create a narrative that’s hard to dismiss at first. The inclusion of cryptocurrency payments adds another layer of anonymity for the scammer, making it seem even more sinister.

But remember, email spoofing is easy to pull off, and using scary buzzwords like “Pegasus malware” only adds to the illusion. They’re banking on the fact that you’ll panic and pay up without investigating further.

Final Thoughts

While these emails can be terrifying at first glance, they are nothing more than a scam designed to exploit your emotions. Stay calm, verify the facts, and follow basic online security practices. By being informed, you can avoid falling into the trap that these scammers set.

If you or anyone you know receives one of these emails, share this guide and remind them: Do not panic, do not respond, and definitely do not send money. Scammers thrive on fear, but with the right knowledge, you can easily outsmart them.

Stay safe, stay informed, and always be cautious about emails that seem too alarming to be true—they often are.

 

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