Beware the Cryptocurrency Extortion Scam: What You Need to Know

Posted on July 19, 2025, 09:59 AM PKT

The Rising Threat

Imagine waking up at 3:54 AM to a chilling message claiming your device has been hacked, with compromising videos recorded and threats to share them unless you pay $1,300 in Bitcoin. That’s exactly what happened to me today, July 19, 2025. This isn’t a rare nightmare—it’s a growing scam targeting individuals worldwide. These phishing attacks often feature poor grammar, generic threats, and urgent demands, preying on fear and confusion.

What the Scammers Claim

Scammers assert they’ve infected your device with a Trojan virus, granting them control over your camera, microphone, and screen. They allege access to your contacts and personal conversations, promising to distribute damaging content to your network unless you pay up. The message I received included a Bitcoin wallet address (e.g., bc1q926em06raz26pinkx50w9qf7mrwqwlfqnz2x4) and a 50-hour deadline.

The Reality

Authorities like the FBI and FTC warn this is a common tactic. In 2022 and 2023, over 598,000 phishing victims reported losses, with crypto extortion contributing millions. The FTC noted $1.179 billion lost to similar frauds from 2021-2023. There’s no evidence these scammers deliver on their threats after payment—instead, paying may invite more demands.

Who’s Affected?

This scam impacts a wide range: cryptocurrency users, social media enthusiasts, and even retirees lured by "pig butchering" schemes. Recent incidents include Coinbase customers targeted in May 2025, Iranian crypto users after the Nobitex hack in June 2025, and DeFi traders hit by exploits like Moby ($2.5M) and GMX V1 ($3M) in 2025. While specific names are protected, the scale suggests thousands are at risk.

What to Do

Don’t Pay: Payment doesn’t guarantee safety and may encourage further scams.

Report It: Contact local law enforcement or the FBI’s IC3 (ic3.gov) to document the incident.Secure Your Device: Run antivirus software, update passwords, and monitor accounts for unusual activity.#GENIUSAct