Many computer users are aware of scam emails. With good software, many end up in the Spam folder. However, Action Fraud has just alerted us to a rise in the number of “extortion” phishing email reports, from 133 in February 2025 to 2,924 by the end of March 2025.
Whilst the actual subject matters tend to vary, the underlying theme is consistent. The email states that malware has been installed on your computer and has recorded you visiting “adult websites”. The email threatens to release videos of you engaging in this activity unless a ransom is paid. Sometimes a few items of personal information are given to try and give some credibility to the message.
If you receive an email like this, the advice given by Action Fraud is not to make any contact with the phisher. Simply forward the email to report@phishing.gov.uk, then delete the original email. If the email contains a password that you still use, you may have been affected by an historic data breach. You must CHANGE THE PASSWORD.
With the advancement of artificial intelligence, if you become aware of any photographs that have been “altered” in an attempt to extort money from you, you should telephone the local police on 101 or contact them by using the police online facility. It’s recommended to get an incident number which may be needed for future correspondence about the incident.
Visit https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk for more information about how you can protect yourself against scams and fraud.
Norman Anderson, Todwick Neighbourhood Watch todwick.nhw621@btinternet.com
