Terrifying Google Maps Tactic Used by Scammers to Extort Money from Email Users
In a disturbing new development, cybercriminals are using screenshots of potential victims’ homes from Google Maps in an attempt to extort money. Emails circulating in recent weeks contain images of a familiar neighborhood with ominous captions such as ‘Can you notice something here?’ or ‘Is this the right place to meet?’ The goal is to scare recipients into believing the threat is real and immediate, pressuring them to comply with ransom demands.
This alarming tactic has been reported by cybersecurity firm Barracuda, which revealed that “sextortion” scams now constitute about 3% of targeted phishing attacks. Criminals claim they have access to explicit images of their victims and threaten to release these unless a payment, typically in Bitcoin, is made. They often exploit data from previous breaches, such as usernames and passwords, to make the emails appear more credible. However, experts say these attackers rarely have compromising material; their primary weapon is fear.
Personal Details Increase Victims’ Vulnerability
What makes these scams even more unsettling is the level of personalisation included in each email. Barracuda reports that many messages begin by greeting the recipient by their first and last name, while also including personal details such as phone numbers, street addresses, and the name of their city. Some of these chilling emails have reportedly included statements like, “I know that calling [telephone number] or visiting [street address] would be a better way to have a chat with you in case you don’t cooperate.” By referencing details that only someone with access to personal information would know, the criminals make their threats appear alarmingly real.
These emails, which demand payments between $1,950 (£1534) and $2,000 (£1573), also suggest that victims won’t have to worry about further harassment if they pay up. Some messages read, “Once you pay up, you’ll sleep like a baby. I keep my word,” or, “Let me tell ya, it’s peanuts for your peace.”
The Growing Sophistication of Sextortion Scams
While sextortion scams are not new, they have become more sophisticated in recent months. In some cases, scammers are even including QR codes to make it easier for victims to send Bitcoin payments quickly, adding a level of convenience that reinforces the urgency and pressure on the victims. This tactic suggests that criminals are actively seeking ways to streamline their operation, making it as seamless as possible for unsuspecting individuals to comply.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) warns that these attacks rely heavily on psychological manipulation. According to an NCSC spokesperson, “The phisher is gambling that enough people will respond so that their scam is profitable. They do not know if you have a webcam, have been visiting adult websites, or the means by which you communicate with people – in short, they are guessing. The phisher hopes to emotionally trigger people so that they will ‘take the bait’ and pay the ransom – a typical modus operandi.”
How to Protect Yourself
Experts strongly advise anyone receiving a suspicious email like this to avoid engaging with the sender and, under no circumstances, to pay the ransom. Instead, report the message to the appropriate cybersecurity authorities and delete it. It’s also a good idea to strengthen security practices, such as using strong, unique passwords for different accounts and enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible.
This latest extortion attempt serves as a stark reminder of the importance of staying vigilant online. By understanding the tactics that cybercriminals use and preparing yourself with strong security practices, you can better protect yourself and your personal information from falling into the wrong hands.