The “Hello pervert” sextortion scam has evolved, now incorporating threats involving Pegasus spyware and photographs of victims’ neighborhoods. Scammers use stolen passwords from previous breaches as proof of their credibility, claiming to have compromising footage of victims’ online activities. They demand payment, threatening to share the alleged footage with email contacts or even visit the victim’s address. Despite these claims, experts confirm the threats are baseless.
Scammers falsely assert that Pegasus spyware, which is typically used in government surveillance, has been used to infiltrate victims’ devices. They allege access to webcams, messengers, emails, and other private data, but there is no evidence to support this claim. Pegasus has never been linked to such scams and remains a highly controlled tool used in state-sponsored operations, not by everyday cybercriminals.
The email scams often use social engineering tactics to induce panic. For example, they might include a photograph of the victim’s home sourced from online mapping services or refer to an old address, creating the illusion of physical surveillance. These elements, combined with aggressive deadlines and threats, are designed to pressure victims into complying without verifying the authenticity of the claims.
Experts advise recipients to remain calm and recognize the scam’s red flags, such as spoofed email addresses, accusations of inappropriate behavior, and unrealistic spyware capabilities. Victims should avoid replying, change any compromised passwords, and consider using a password manager. Protective measures like webcam covers can also provide peace of mind. Responding or paying only encourages further attempts by these fraudsters.
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