I got a blackmail email and i've noticed my browser has been glitchy

[defb]

The thing is I was infected years ago, and also received the same sort of email with some different wording years ago but I received it on a different email. Since then I have been receiving junk phishing emails on that email for over 4 years. I haven't used it at all in like 2 years. I've been using an email I have used over 10 years which is my main, but it has now gotten the same email which it has never had any phishing emails sent to until today. 

Basically the same. the last time it said oh you have good taste ~_^. or dont try to respond youre just wasting your time. It's only a couple lines different.

I use my google spreadsheets quite a bit, but last night was the first time I uploaded a video to my google drive. it was from a usb stick i just bought a month ago and only used it on a newly reformatted pc. I dont even have a webcam. so they would most likely be referring to my phone? which i don't use for such things. I ignored it the last time but a lot of weird things started happening which made me believe I was actually infected.

Hi, today there are sadly some bad news for you.

Your device was infected with my private malware, your browser wasn't updated / patched, in such case it's enough to just visit some website where my iframe is placed to get automatically infected, if you want to find out more, Google: Drive-by exploit.

My malware gave me full access to all your accounts, full control over your device and it also was possible to spy on you over your cam.

If you think this is some bad joke, no, I know your password: 3022swmrm

I collected all your private data and I RECORDED YOU (through your cam) SATISFYING YOURSELF!

After that I removed my malware to not leave any traces and this email was sent from some hacked server.

I can publish the video of you and all your private data on the whole web, the darknet, social networks, over email and send everything to all your contacts.

You can stop me and only I can help you out in this situation.

The only way to stop me, is to pay exactly $1400 in Bitcoin (BTC).

It's a very good offer, compared to all that horrible ***** that will happen if I publish everything.

You can easily buy Bitcoin (BTC) here: www.paxful.com , www.coingate.com , www.coinbase.com , or check for Bitcoin (BTC) ATM near you, or Google for other exchanger.

You can send the Bitcoin (BTC) directly to my wallet, or install the free software: Atomicwallet, or: Exodus wallet, then receive and send to mine.

My Bitcoin (BTC) wallet is: 12V1vgmqFhmjKBGjfbAFP4Xf9UMovgeSjj

Yes, that's how the wallet / address looks like, copy and paste it, it's (cAsE-sEnSEtiVE).

I give you 2 days time to pay.

As I got access to this email account, I will know if this email has already been read.

After receiving the payment, I will remove everything and you can life your live in peace like before, don't worry, I keep my promise.

Next time make sure that your device got the newsest security updates.

ClientMailID: 1994351

 

[David H. Lipman]

On 9/26/2023 at 4:25 PM, defb said:

My Bitcoin (BTC) wallet is: 12V1vgmqFhmjKBGjfbAFP4Xf9UMovgeSjj

https://www.bitcoinwhoswho.com/address/12V1vgmqFhmjKBGjfbAFP4Xf9UMovgeSjj

 

This is purely a scam and they send those emails out en masse hoping one or two bite at the bait.  

Just delete the email and then change your email password to a new Strong Password just to make sure.

Additionally, you can enter your email address(es) in the following site and it will check to see if that email address was part of a known breach.

https://haveibeenpwned.com/

 

** If your "browser has been glitchy" it is unrelated.  But If you want to have your PC checked-out just the same, a Forum Helper can assist you.

 

 

Please reference:
-----------------
US FBI PSA - Extortionists Increasingly Using Recipients' Personal Information To Intimidate Victims
US FTC Consumer Information - How to avoid a Bitcoin blackmail scam
Bitcoin - Bitcoin Abuse Database
BleepingComputer - Beware of Extortion Scams Stating They Have Video of You on Adult Sites
Malwarebytes' Blog - Sextortion emails: They’re probably not watching you
Malwarebytes' Blog - Warning: Victims' faces placed on explicit images in sextortion scam
Malwarebytes Forum sample thread - Got strange threating email.
Malwarebytes Forum FYI thread - FYI: Email Blackmail Scam still current

 

 

Edited September 28, 2023 by David H. Lipman
Edited for content, clarity, spelling and/or grammar

[AdvancedSetup]

Hello  and      

As @David H. Lipman said. This is a SCAM @defb

 

If you would like us to review your system, please read and follow the information below

 

My screen name is AdvancedSetup and I will assist you with your system issues.
 

Let's keep these principles as we proceed. Make sure to read the entire post below first.

• Please follow all steps in the provided order and post back all requested logs
• Please attach all log files to your post, unless otherwise requested
• Temporarily disable your antivirus or other security software first. Make sure to turn it back on once the scans have been completed.
• Temporarily disable Microsoft SmartScreen to download the software below if needed. Make sure to turn it back on once the scans are completed.
• Searching, detecting, and removing malware isn't instantaneous and there is no guarantee to repair every system.
• Before we start, please make sure that you have an external backup, not connected to this system, of all private data.
• Do not run online games while the case is ongoing. Do not do any free-wheeling or risky web-surfing.
• Only run the tools I guide you to use. Please don't run any other scans, download, install or uninstall any programs while I'm working with you.
• Cracked, Hacked, or Pirated programs are not only illegal but also can make a computer a malware victim.
• Having such programs installed is the easiest way to get infected. It is the leading cause of ransomware encryption. It is at times also a big source of current Trojan infections.
• If there are any on the system you should uninstall them before we proceed.
• Please be patient and stick with me until I give you the "all clear". We don't want to waste your time, please don't waste ours.
• If your system is running Discord, please be sure to Exit it while this case is ongoing.

 

To begin, please do the following so that we may take a closer look at your installation for troubleshooting. This is a report only.

NOTE: The tools and the information obtained are safe and not harmful to your privacy or your computer, please allow the programs to run if blocked by your system.

• Download the Malwarebytes Support Tool
• In your Downloads folder, open the mb-support-x.x.x.xxx.exe file
• In the User Account Control pop-up window, click Yes to continue the installation
• Run the MBST Support Tool
• In the left navigation pane of the Malwarebytes Support Tool, click Advanced
• In the Advanced Options, click Gather Logs. A status diagram displays the tool is Getting logs from your machine
• A zip file named mbst-grab-results.zip will be saved to the Public desktop, please upload that file on your next reply

Thank you

 

 

[defb]

Thank you very much for the replies. I've been full system scanning for 4hours now, think It might be stuck. Ill post back the log when it's finished.

haveibeenpwned hasn't changed. It's worth to note,I haven't used that password in over a decade, so i'm not worried there and i do check my login activity. It's just the coincidences make me paranoid, the video I posted on google drive yesterday for the very first time ever, and them saying it was a google drive malware(it was just a security camera clip i wanted backedup) so no worries there either. I have never had these type of emails on this email before, just the old one. It's the same type of scam/wording from my last email. I feel it's targeted. Also a few phone calls in the week from unkown callers, when i pickup no one answers. My chrome i couldnt switch tabs for some reason i had to restart my pc, reloading chrome didnt work, and videos pause or mute by themselves. idk just weird.

[David H. Lipman]

I totally understand.  But with numerous of these events posted here in the Forums none have ever come back and indicated that when they didn't pay, their data was released.  I have received about a dozen of these emails and all were just ploys, not realities.  I too have had my paranoid moments in such events.

Look at your text and all the examples in the Malwarebytes Forum sample thread - Got strange threating email. and the Malwarebytes Forum FYI thread - FYI: Email Blackmail Scam still current

See the textual similarities?  Created by template / boiler plate files and mass emailed.  They feed off of one's paranoia and such things as coincidences.

Post back the logs and @AdvancedSetup  can help fix any issues and put you at ease that there is no malware that the scammer purports to have delivered.

Edited September 27, 2023 by David H. Lipman
Edited for content, clarity, spelling and/or grammar

[defb]

That took a bit.  nothing came up with full system scan with malwarebytes  malware full scan.txtmbst-grab-results.zip

[AdvancedSetup]

Hello @defb

The computer does have some settings enabled that should not be enabled. We'll run some fixes to correct that.

The FARBAR (FRST) program is currently located here in your Downloads folder:   C:\Users\Adrian\Downloads\FRSTEnglish.exe 

 

Please follow the process below to perform a fix in Safe Mode

 

Start in Safe mode:

• Press the Windows icon on the keyboard together with the letter I, to get into the Settings.
• Choose Update and Security.
• From the menu at the left, choose Recovery.
• Under the title Advanced startup at the right, choose Restart now.
• From the window that will appear choose Troubleshoot and then Advanced options.
• Choose Startup Settings and then Restart.
• Press number 5, for choosing Safe mode with networking.
• You will know that you are in Safe mode, if the background is black and Safe mode is written at the four corners of the screen.

After that:

Please do the following to run a FRST fix.

NOTICE: This script was written specifically for this user. Running it on another machine may cause damage to your operating system

• Select the entire contents of the code box below, from the "Start::" line to "End::", including both lines. Right-click and select "Copy ". No need to paste anything to anywhere.

 

Start::
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Defender: [DisableAntiSpyware] Restriction
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Defender: [DisableAntiVirus] Restriction
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender: Restriction
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate: Restriction
GroupPolicy: Restriction
Policies: C:\ProgramData\NTUSER.pol: Restriction
End::

 

• Right-click on FRSTEnglish in your Downloads folder, to run it as administrator. When the tool opens, click "yes" to the disclaimer.
• Press the Fix button once and wait.
• FRST will process fixlist.txt
• When finished, it will produce a log fixlog.txt in your Downloads folder or where you have the Farbar program located.
• Attach that log in your next reply.

 

Thank you

 

 

[defb]

Couldn't access the internet with safe mode+networking. Probably has to do something with my vpn Mullvad but I disabled lockdown mode, idk. Also, could this be why my malwarebytes and windows security shutdown randomly and i get a notification? I came here a few months ago with the problem, it still happens every other week, I just restart my pc.

Fixlog.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

You might have TOO much lock down going on that could be affecting it.

Let's go ahead and run a 3rd party AV scanner now. That fix log corrected the restriction

 

 

 

Please download and run the following Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool 2020 and save it to your Desktop.

(Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool version 20.0.10.0 was released on November 9, 2021)

Download: Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool

https://devbuilds.s.kaspersky-labs.com/devbuilds/KVRT/latest/full/KVRT.exe

How to run a scan with Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool 2020
https://support.kaspersky.com/15674

How to run Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool 2020 in the advanced mode
https://support.kaspersky.com/15680

How to restore a file removed during Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool 2020 scan
https://support.kaspersky.com/15681

 

Select the     Windows Key and R Key together, the "Run" box should open. Drag and Drop KVRT.exe into the Run Box. C:\Users\{your user name}\DESKTOP\KVRT.exe will now show in the run box. add -dontencrypt   Note the space between KVRT.exe and -dontencrypt C:\Users\{your user name}\DESKTOP\KVRT.exe -dontencrypt should now show in the Run box.   That addendum to the run command is very important, when the scan does eventually complete the resultant report is normally encrypted, with the extra command it is saved as a readable file. Reports are saved here C:\KVRT2020_Data\Reports and look similar to this report_20210123_113021.klr Right-click direct onto that report, select > open with > Notepad. Save that file and attach it to your reply. To start the scan select OK in the "Run" box. A EULA window will open, tick all confirmation boxes then select "Accept" In the new window select "Change Parameters" In the new window ensure all selection boxes are ticked, then select "OK" The scan should now start... When complete if entries are found there will be options, if "Cure" is offered leave as is. For any other options change to "Delete" then select "Continue" When complete, or if nothing was found select "Close" Attach the report information as previously instructed...   Thank you

 

 

[defb]

Nothing found. Huge relief, thank you again. 

When the antiviruses turn off though, I guess that's fixed? or maybe it's a bug?

report_2023.09.27_02.08.47.klr.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

No, the Antivirus should not be off and restrictions should not be there. We'll run some more checks again

 

 

 

Let's go ahead and run a couple of scans and get some updated logs from your system.

Please make the following changes.

 

• Temporarily disable your antivirus real-time protection or other security software first if it blocks or interferes with the scans or downloads.. Make sure to turn it back on once the scans are completed.
• Temporarily disable Microsoft SmartScreen to download software below only if needed. Make sure to turn it back on once the scans are completed.
• Disable-Fast-Startup
• Show-Hidden-Folders-Files-Extensions

 

Next, run these steps and post back the logs as an attachment when ready.

[ 1 ]

Malwarebytes for Windows

• If you already have Malwarebytes installed then open Malwarebytes and click on the small gear icon, then click on the "Check for updates" button on the General tab.
• After any updates, click the middle Scan button from the main page. It will automatically run a Threat Scan.
• If you don't have Malwarebytes installed yet please download it from here and install it.
• Once installed then open Malwarebytes and select Scan and let it run.
• Once the scan is completed, make sure you have it quarantine any detections it finds.
• If no detections were found click on the Save results drop-down, then the Export to TXT  button, and save the file as a Text file to your desktop or other location you can find and attach that log on your next reply.
• If there were detections then once the quarantine has completed click on the View report button, Then click the Export drop-down, then the Export to TXT  button, and save the file as a Text file to your desktop or other location you can find and attach that log on your next reply.
• If the computer restarted to quarantine you can access the logs from the Detection History, then the History tab. Highlight the most recent scan and double-click to open it. Then click the Export drop-down, then the Export to TXT  button, and save the file as a Text file to your desktop or other location you can find and attach that log on your next reply.
• If Malwarebytes won't run then please skip to the next step and let us know in your next reply that the scanner would not run.

[ 2 ]

Malwarebytes AdwCleaner

• Please download Malwarebytes AdwCleaner and save the file to your Desktop or Downloads folder.
• Double-click to run the program - Malwarebytes AdwCleaner guide
• Accept the End User License Agreement.
• Wait until the database is updated.
• Click Scan Now.
• DO NOT uninstall or remove the Preinstalled software if found. Uncheck any items listed as Preinstalled
• When finished, if items are found please click Quarantine to finish the cleaning process.
• Your PC should reboot now if any items were found.
• After reboot, a log file will be opened. Attach that log to your next reply.
   
• If No Detections are found, Click Skip Basic Repair
  
  WARNING: Do Not click the Run Basic Repair button unless instructed to by a Malwarebytes support agent or authorized helper

 

RESTART THE COMPUTER Before running Step 3

[ 3 ]

Gather MBST Logs

Please do the following so that we may take a closer look at your system for any possible infections.

NOTE: The tools and the information obtained are safe and not harmful to your privacy or your computer, please allow the programs to run if blocked by your system.

• Download the Malwarebytes Support Tool
• In your Downloads folder, open the mb-support-x.x.x.xxx.exe file
• In the User Account Control pop-up window, click Yes to continue the installation
• Run the MBST Support Tool
• In the left navigation pane of the Malwarebytes Support Tool, click Advanced
• In the Advanced Options, click Gather Logs. A status diagram displays the tool is Getting logs from your machine
• A zip file named mbst-grab-results.zip will be saved to the Public desktop, please upload that file on your next reply
  
  WARNING: Do Not click the Repair System under Advanced unless requested to by a Malwarebytes support agent or authorized helper

 

Thank you

 

[defb]

Malwarebytes couldn't update, I tried a few times. But after a restart and while running the malwarebytes support tool i tried updating during the scan and it updated. It shows I was at 90% security that I needed to update chrome, I usually do get those messages I then updatechrome. I scanned a 2nd time and nothing was found still. 

 

mwbscan.txt 2nd.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

Thank you. Please get the AdwCleaner - clean log and the MBST log

Cheers @defb

[defb]

 

 

AdwCleaner[S00].txt mbst-grab-results.zip

[AdvancedSetup]

Thank you for the logs @defb

Please run the following fix

 

NOTE: Please read all of the information below before running this fix.

• NOTICE: This script was written specifically for this user, for use on this particular machine.
• Running this on another machine may cause damage to your operating system that cannot be undone.

Once the fix has been completed, please attach the file FIXLOG.TXT to your next reply

Farbar program:   FRSTEnglish.exe

Save the attached file:  FIXLIST.TXT to this folder C:\Users\Adrian\Downloads\

NOTE. It's important that both files, FRSTEnglish.exe, and fixlist.txt are in the same location or the fix will not work.

Please make sure you disable any real-time antivirus or security software before running this script. Once completed, make sure you re-enable it.

 

 

Run the Farbar program with Admin rights and press the Fix button just once and wait.

The fix may possibly take up to 60 minutes to complete

If the tool needs a restart please make sure you let the system restart normally and let the tool complete its run after restart.
The tool will make a log named Fixlog.txt in the same folder you ran the Farbar program from. Please attach that log on your next reply.

 

1. NOTE:  This fix will run a scan to check that all Microsoft operating system files are valid and not corrupt and attempt to correct any invalid files. It will also run a disk check on the restart to ensure disk integrity.
2. NOTE: As part of this fix all temporary files will be removed. If you have any open web pages that have not been bookmarked please make sure you bookmark them now as all open applications may be automatically closed.
               Also, make sure you know the passwords for all websites as cookies may possibly be removed in some cases, but not all cases.
3. NOTE: As part of this fix, it will also reset the network to default settings including the firewall. If you have custom firewall rules you need to save please export or save them first before running this fix.

The following directories are emptied:

• Windows Temp
• Users Temp folders
• Edge, IE, FF, Chrome, and Opera caches, HTML5 storages, Cookies and History
• Recently opened files cache
• Discord cache
• Java cache
• Steam HTML cache
• Explorer thumbnail and icon cache
• BITS transfer queue (qmgr*.dat files)
• Recycle Bin

Important: items are permanently deleted. They are not moved to quarantine. If you have any questions or concerns please ask before running this fix.

The system will be rebooted after the fix has run.

fixlist.txt

Thanks

 

[defb]

Fixlog.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

The log ran well and also found and fixed some system issues

Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.

 

Please run the following @defb

SecurityCheck by glax24              

I would like you to run a tool named SecurityCheck to inquire about the current security update status of some applications.

• Download SecurityCheck by glax24: https://tools.safezone.cc/glax24/SecurityCheck/SecurityCheck.exe
• If Microsoft SmartScreen blocks the download, click through to save the file
• This tool is safe.   Smartscreen is overly sensitive.
• If SmartScreen blocks the file from running click on More info and Run anyway
• Right-click  with your mouse on the Securitycheck.exe  and select "Run as administrator"  and reply YES to allow to run & go forward
• Wait for the scan to finish. It will open a text file named SecurityCheck.txt Close the file.  Attach it with your next reply.
• You can find this file in a folder called SecurityCheck, C:\SecurityCheck\SecurityCheck.txt

 

 

 

 

 

Then run this scanner too

 

Please download the following tool

Farbar Service Scanner and run it on the computer with the issue
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/farbar-service-scanner/dl/62/

 

Make sure the following options are checked:

• Internet Services
• Windows Firewall
• System Restore
• Security Center/Action Center
• Windows Update
• Windows Defender

Click "Scan"

It will create a log (FSS.txt) in the same directory the tool is run.
Please attach the log to your next reply.

 

[defb]

SecurityCheck.txt FSS.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

Please update WinRAR

• WinRAR 6.22 (64-bit) v.6.22.0 Warning! Download Update

 

Please check for Windows Updates and install any updates found. Let me know if Windows Update has any issues

 

 

[defb]

Update installed smoothly and im up to date. You think i'm good? if my antivirus goes down again randomly I should come back right?

[AdvancedSetup]

The logs indicate that all is good at this time. Yes, if  you do experience any issues please let us know.

 

Let's go ahead and do some clean-up work and remove the tools and logs we've run.

Please download KpRm by kernel-panik and save it to your desktop.

• right-click kprm_(version).exe and select Run as Administrator.
• Read and accept the disclaimer.
• When the tool opens, ensure all boxes under Actions are checked.
• Under Delete Quarantines select Delete Now, then click Run.
• Once complete, click OK.
• A log will open in Notepad titled kprm-(date).txt.
• Please attach that file to your next reply. (not compulsory)

 

1. Recommend using a Password Manager for all websites, etc. that require a password. Never use the same password on more than one site.
   https://www.howtogeek.com/240255/password-managers-compared-lastpass-vs-keepass-vs-dashlane-vs-1password/
2. Make sure you're backing up your files https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/136226-backup-software/
3. Keep all software up to date - PatchMyPC - https://patchmypc.com/home-updater#download
4. Keep your Operating System up to date and current at all times - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-update-faq-8a903416-6f45-0718-f5c7-375e92dddeb2
5. Further tips to help protect your computer data and improve your privacy: https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/258363-tips-to-help-protect-from-infection/ 
6. Please consider installing the following Content Blockers for your Web browsers if you haven't done so already. This will help improve overall security

Malwarebytes Browser Guard

•   Google Chrome: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/malwarebytes-browser-guar/ihcjicgdanjaechkgeegckofjjedodee
•   Microsoft Edge: https://support.malwarebytes.com/hc/en-us/articles/4413298736787-Install-Malwarebytes-Browser-Guard-on-Microsoft-Edge-browser
•   Mozilla Firefox: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/malwarebytes/

uBlock Origin

• Google Chrome: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/ublock-origin/cjpalhdlnbpafiamejdnhcphjbkeiagm 
• Microsoft Edge: https://microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons/detail/ublock-origin/odfafepnkmbhccpbejgmiehpchacaeak 
• Mozilla Firefox: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/ublock-origin

 

Further reading if you like to keep up on the malware threat scene: Malwarebytes Blog  https://blog.malwarebytes.com/

Hopefully, we've been able to assist you with correcting your system issues.

Thank you for using Malwarebytes

 

[defb]

Thank you!! tyty. You're very much appreciated 😊

kprm-20230928163340.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

Looks good.

Take care and stay safe out there

Don't forget your back up

Cheers

 

[AdvancedSetup]

Glad we could help.

If you need this topic reopened, please send a Private Message to any one of the moderating team members. Please include a link to this topic with your request.

This applies only to the originator of this thread. Other members who need assistance please start your own topic in a new thread.

Please review the following to help you better protect your computer and privacy Tips to help protect from infection

Thank you