Scam warning
“I Hacked Your Camera” Email
A frightening email says a hacker recorded you through your webcam or has your private information. It may even show an old password of yours. It demands Bitcoin, or they'll send embarrassing things to your contacts. It's a bluff sent to millions of people.
Also called: Sextortion email, Webcam blackmail, Bitcoin blackmail email
The one thing to remember
They don't have any video. It's a mass email. Don't pay and don't reply.
How it happens
- An email arrives that seems to know you, sometimes with an old password or your address.
- It says your computer was hacked and you were recorded.
- It demands Bitcoin within 24 or 48 hours.
- The password usually comes from an old data leak, not from your computer.
Warning signs
- Threats to share private videos or photos.
- A demand for Bitcoin with a deadline.
- An old password shown as “proof”.
What to do
- Don't pay, don't reply. Delete it.
- If the email shows a password you still use, change that password.
- You can put a sticker over your webcam for peace of mind.
- Report it at ic3.gov.
Last checked: October 31, 2026