"We Have Your Search Requests And Webcam Footage Email" Scam

Understanding the Nature of the Threat

The "We Have Your Search Requests and Webcam Footage" email is a form of sextortion scam—a type of digital blackmail that preys on fear and shame. The message claims that hackers have recorded a compromising video using the recipient's webcam and threaten to leak it unless a ransom is paid. Despite the alarming tone, it's important to know that the entire message is based on lies and intimidation tactics. There is no video, no hacked data, and no truth to the sender's claims.

Inside the Message: A Closer Look

Typically arriving with a threatening subject line like "Read this email or something terrible will happen," the scam email introduces the sender as an affiliate of a supposed Russian hacker group. It accuses the recipient of being identified during an investigation into "suspicious accounts" and alleges unauthorized access to both their search history and webcam. The email claims that the hacker used this access to record sexually explicit content and copy private conversations—none of which is true.

Here's what it says:

Subject: Read this email or something terrible will happen.

Good afternoon, my naive comrade.

Unfortunately, this letter will divide your life into before and after.
However, the good news is that it will teach you a lot.

For example, what you can and can't do on the internet, how to treat your online security properly, and how not to leave digital footprints.
Most likely, you have heard about Russian hacker groups such as Cozy Bear, Killnet and others. Well, we work for them.

I hate to say it, but you have got in our mess.
In addition to our hacking activities, we are also running on the lookout for various suspicious online accounts that we would like to make money on.
We guess you are beginning to realize how we located you.

All normal people have their own sexual preferences.
However, what you are trying to find on the internet doesn't fit into any, even the loosest moral standards.
Now we have your search requests and your webcam footage while you are pleasuring yourself.

We set a timer for public release. Nevertheless, don't worry, there's good news also.
Money is our only interest. Even among us, there are some strange persons, but they bring us so much profit that we ignore their deviations.

In this case, YOU should bring us the profit. For $1350 you and us will forget about each other forever.
You have 48 hours from the moment you open this email to transfer this $1350. We will be notified when you read the letter.
Here is the address of the Bitcoin wallet you should use for the payment: 151s4gb1C5BZawhJM5UxEHkAPfh17KGFCx

Countdown has started, don't keep us waiting.
Otherwise, all your friends, colleagues and relatives will get a copy of your records: search history, webcam videos and even personal messages.
!Do not forward this message to anyone, including the police. Doing so will result in the automatic posting of all information about you. We monitor what you are doing.
!Do not reply to this message. It was sent from a disposable email account, you can't reply it, this email address is untraceable.

If you haven't used crypto before everything is simple. Just google it.
That's the end of our message. As they say, we hope for a fruitful cooperation. Otherwise, this will all end badly for you.
Goodbye, and hopefully this is our last interaction.

P. S. Remember for the future, the Internet is not some kind of a Wild West where you can do anything you want.
There is a wholesome shiver of hungry sharks searching for irresponsible persons like you.

The Ransom Demand and Its Intent

Victims are instructed to pay $1350 in Bitcoin to prevent the alleged footage and chat logs from being shared with family, friends, and coworkers. A deadline of 48 hours is often imposed to create urgency and reduce the likelihood of rational decision-making. The message also threatens consequences if the recipient contacts anyone, especially authorities, further isolating the victim and increasing psychological pressure. This coercive tactic is designed to corner recipients into silence and payment.

Why You Shouldn’t Pay

The entire scam is a bluff. There's no malware on your device, no surveillance footage, and no stolen data. Scammers rely on shock and embarrassment to manipulate recipients into complying. Unfortunately, if someone does send cryptocurrency, it is nearly impossible to recover due to the anonymous and irreversible nature of blockchain transactions. Paying the ransom only fuels the scam economy—and there is no guarantee the scammer won't target the same person again.

Common Themes in Sextortion Scams

This scam fits a familiar pattern seen in similar campaigns, such as:

• "We Hacked Your System"
• "Data From All Your Devices Is Copied To My Servers"
• "Time Is Slipping Away From Your Grasp"

These emails often follow the same structure: a vague cyber intrusion claim, a sexual threat, and a demand for payment. While some contain spelling or grammar issues, others are professionally written to appear more credible.

Spam Mail: A Vector for More Than Just Scams

Beyond sextortion, spam campaigns are also a leading method for distributing malware. Messages may contain attachments or links designed to infect your device. File types often used in these scams include:

• Microsoft Office or PDF documents
• Compressed files like .zip or .rar
• Executable files (.exe)
• JavaScript files

In some cases, user interaction is required to launch the malware—such as enabling macros in Word documents or clicking embedded items in OneNote files. The moment these actions are taken, malicious software may be silently installed on the device.

Optimal Practices to Stay Protected

To defend against email-based threats and online scams, consider the following precautions:

What to Avoid:

• Do not open attachments or click links from unfamiliar or suspicious senders.
• Never enable macros or content in Office documents received unexpectedly.
• Do not respond to threatening emails or pay any ransom.

What to Do:

• Use antivirus and antimalware solutions with real-time protection.
• Keep your operating system and software up to date.
• Download applications only from trusted sources and official websites.

Key Takeaway

Sextortion scams like the "We Have Your Search Requests" email are designed to trigger panic. But with knowledge and composure, you can recognize them for what they are—empty threats wrapped in digital deceit. Remaining cautious with email attachments, avoiding impulsive responses to aggressive messages, and relying only on secure platforms for software can greatly reduce your risk. Remember, staying safe online isn't just about using the right tools—it's about making smart choices every day.