Many sources have reported that numerous users have been receiving an email starting with “I know one of your cards.” Specifically, it is a blackmail in their inbox that the sender claims to know private information about the recipient.
The sender will quickly and directly address the main point. Malware has been installed on a program that the user frequently uses.
While the user was engaged in watching explicit videos, the device began functioning as a remote access device.
The sender was able to gain access to the device, along with the Wi-Fi network and any other connected devices. They claim that the malware was able to transmit various types of data, such as contacts, photos, and videos.
This scam email campaign shares many similarities with another deceptive one, where the threat actor falsely claims to know one of your passwords.
Content of the email
The email mentioned that a malware program has infected your computer, giving the hacker full access and control over different features like the microphone, display, audio, and camera.
Furthermore, the threat actor creates the illusion of having complete access to all aspects of your personal life, including those that the hacker deems extremely confidential.
According to the email, it seems that someone was observed viewing inappropriate content on camera.
They say you may simply forward this unsettling movie to all of your contacts with just a single mouse click. The user will next be blackmailed to transfer $1050 to the hacker's Bitcoin wallet.
Just a heads up before you actually do something, these emails are actually scams or phishing attempts that are sent out to numerous internet users on a daily basis. If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment, simply take a deep breath and pour yourself a refreshing glass of water.
You can be confident that the information given by the threat actor is completely false, and the whole situation is just a scam. It is important to never send money to con artists under any circumstances.
Full message
Here is the full message of the said alleged email scam:
Subject: I know XXXX is one of your cards.
I will directly come to the point. You don't know me whereas I know you and you must be thinking why are you getting this mail, right?
I actually placed a Malware on xxxx website & do you know what, you accessed same xxxx web site to experience pleasure (if you know what I mean). And while you were busy watching our videos, your internet browser began operating as a RDP (Remote Device) that has a key logger which provided me with access to your display as well as your camera controls.
After that, the malware collected all of your data and every one of your contacts from device including your complete photos. What did I do? It's simply your hard luck that I saw your misadventures.
After that I invested in more days than I should've investigating into your personal life and generated a double-screen xxxxxxx. First part shows the video you were viewing and other half displays the video of your webcam (it is you doing nasty things).
As a family man, I'm ready to delete all about you and let you get on with your daily life. And I will provide you a way out that may accomplish it. The two option is either to turn a blind eye to this message (bad for you and your family), or pay me a small amount. Exactly what can you do? Let’s understand above two options in more detail.
Option 1 is to ignore this e-mail. Let me tell you what will happen if you choose this path. I will definitely send out your videotape to all your contacts including relatives, coworkers, etc. It won't help you avoid the humiliation your family will ought to face when family and friends discover your unpleasant video.
Other Option is to pay me, and be confidential about it. We will name this my “privacy charges”. Lets discuss what will happen if you go with this way out. Your naughty secret remains private. I'll keep my mouth silent.
After you you pay me my fees, I will let you continue on with your routine life and family that nothing like this ever happened.
You will make the payment by Bitcoins (if you do not know this just type “how to buy bitcoins” in search engine)
Amount to be sent: $1050 BTC ADDRESS IS: 113ziyxtnWGCnHPixzbsf9Vx2HKHGkYKGY (Here's QR code, scan it carefully)
Note: You have one day to make the payment. (I've a specific pixel in this e-mail, and right now I know that you've read this message).
You need not tell anyone what will you be transferring the bitcoin for or they possibly will not sell it to you.
The method to get bitcoin may take a few days so do not wait. If I do not get the BitCoins, I will send your videotape to all of your contacts including members of your family, coworkers, and many others.
Nevertheless, if I receive the payment, I'll destroy the xxxxxxx immediately. If you really want proof, reply with “yes!” and I will certainly send out your xxxxxxx to your 8 friends everyday.
It is a non negotiable offer, thus do not waste my personal time & yours by replying to this message. Well, my tracker will be recording what action you are taking when you are done looking over this message.
Frankly, If you try to act smart I will share your video to your relatives, coworkers before your time finish
“I know XXXX is one of your cards” email and scams in general
There have been several fraudulent emails going around online, including one that falsely claims to have information about one of your cards.
We have also come across different versions of this email, like the one that asks, “Isn't XXXX one of your cards?” This version is clearly a rephrased version of the original.
The sender use manipulative tactics to instill fear in the recipient, which makes it more likely for them to be influenced and comply with their demands.
These emails are designed to trick users into providing something in return for concealing information from the public.
The email purports to be from an individual who has gained access to your personal information and accounts. It should be noted that there is currently no evidence provided to support their claims against the recipient.
How these scams trick you into thinking they are real
Wondering how the hacker was able to effortlessly acquire your credit card number, as mentioned in the subject line?
Most likely your card details have been obtained by cybercriminals who discovered them on the dark web. This may have occurred due to a data breach on another website, possibly one where you made a previous purchase.
It's possible that they included your card details in the email to make the attack appear more authentic. However, it could be an old deactivated card from a few years ago that you no longer use.
| Summary | |
|---|---|
| Subject line | I know XXX is one of your cards |
| Threat type | Phishing scam, deceptive email, sextortion |
| Fake claim | Hackers have gained access to your computer & accounts |
| Asking amount | 1200 USD (in Bitcoin) |
| Damage | Potential loss of personal data & money |
Now that you have a clear understanding that the email is not genuine, it would be advisable to delete it and move forward, in order to prevent any negative impact on your day.
In addition, running a virus scan on your computer can provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind for those who may be more prone to worry. Stay safe!
How to remove malware from computer
You've come to the right place if you need help getting rid of malware risks on your computer.
In the steps that follow, you'll learn how to get rid of harmful risks and make sure your system is malware-free.
We considered the technical skills of the people who use the internet, so we made sure the steps are simple enough that even those who aren't tech-savvy could follow them.
Before you continue, make sure you have a copy of your data saved somewhere else. If you don't, your files could get damaged or lost while you follow the steps below. These kinds of things don't usually happen, but we suggest doing it just in case.
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To remove malware from your computer, you only need to follow a simple three-step procedure:
Step 1: Run malware scans
Step 3: Use the Tron script
Step 1: Run malware scans
New threats might not be found by antivirus engines in the early stages of an infection because their signatures are still being researched and put to a database for detection. It might be found in the end, but it may be too late for the computers that were infected.
However new malware threats can have some strings and signatures of some older malware in a database of other security software. Therefore it might get detected by other antivirus and not by others.
Since people who aren't tech-savvy might have trouble finding the malware, we will need more than one piece of security software to help us find the malicious threat.
Please run the software individually. You can do so in any particular order.
- Removal Tool
- Emergency Kit
- ESET Scanner
- Malwarebytes
Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool is an excellent tool for scanning and disinfecting malware-infected computers. Please note that this tool is separate from the mainstream Kaspersky security applications, so worry not about the company's controversies.
1. To start, download the Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.
2. Once the download of the executable file (KVRT.exe) is complete. The program doesn't need to be installed on the computer, so you may begin running it straight away.
3. After reading the KSN Statement, Privacy Policy, and End User License Agreement, check the box indicating your agreement to the terms and conditions. To continue, click Accept.
4. Please wait for the system initialization process to finish, as the program will first check if your system is compatible.
5. Before we start scanning, we will have to set the scope of the scan. Click the Change parameters option to do so.
6. Check all the boxes to allow the computer to search through all of the disks and directories for malware. After that, click OK to return to the main screen.
7. We can now begin the scan; simply click the Start scan button, and the Virus Removal Tool will begin.
8. Await the scan's completion with patience. If there are any risks within the computer system, a notification will be displayed.
9. To completely remove the risks that the program has identified, click Delete from the drop-down menu of each discovered object.
10. Click Continue to remove the identified malware threats from your computer.
As the name implies, the Emergency Kit software by Emsisoft is a must-use in your malware scanner arsenal. It features the same powerful scanning technology used by their flagship software, Emsisoft Anti-Malware.
1. Download the Emsisoft Emergency Kit portable software.
2. You can launch the executable program (EmsisoftEmergencyKit.exe) directly from your downloads folder after downloading it.
3. Click Yes to let the program start on the computer when the User Account Control window appears.
4. Choose your program's destination folder and accept the license and maintenance terms. Next, click Install to continue.
5. Click Malware Scan on the homepage of the Emergency Kit application to start the scanning process. The amount of time it takes for the program to scan your computer will depend on how many files you have and the hardware capabilities of your system.
6. Emsisoft Emergency Scanner will display a list of the files that the program has detected when the scan is complete. To get rid of threats from your computer, click on Quarantine selected.
7. To complete the malware removal procedure, Emsisoft Emergency Scanner may also ask you to restart your computer. Simply click Reboot your system to finish the process.
ESET Online Scanner is a program that is designed only to remove malware threats from your computer for free. It is simple to use and features an advanced malware detection system. There is no need for registration, free trials, or anything else. Simply download, execute, and remove the malware.
1. Download the most recent version of ESET Online Scanner.
2. After pressing the download button, the file (Esetonlinescanner.exe) should have been downloaded to your computer. It does not require any installations so you can simply run the aforementioned file.
3. Before using ESET Online Scanner, it must be initialized. Choose your preferred language and click Get started. Continue as directed by the screen until the homepage appears.
4. Click Computer scan from the homepage, then select Full scan from the three options available.
5. Give ESET Online Scanner the permission to detect and remove potentially unwanted apps by ticking the Enable option. After that, click Start scan to begin the scanning process.
6. Await the completion of the malware scan for your machine by the ESET Online Scanner. ESET Online Scanner would have automatically removed the threats it found after the scan. To complete the malware cleanup process, click Proceed.
Malwarebytes Anti-malware is well-known in the security field; they have helped many people with malware issues through their software, and downloading it will help you as well.
Note: We will only use the free version of Malwarebytes because it includes all of the capabilities we require.
1. Download the latest version of Malwarebytes Anti-malware.
2. Malwarebytes will start downloading (MBSetup.exe) the installation file. Run the executable after the download is complete.
3. To allow the program to execute, simply click Yes in the User Account Control window that may appear.
4. The Malwarebytes setup wizard will now open; select Install to continue.
5. You will be prompted by Malwarebytes to install the Browser Guard extension. Depending on whether you want it on your browser or not, you can choose to download it (the extension is completely free).
6. Please wait as the Malwarebytes Setup installs itself. Follow the on-screen instructions until you have successfully installed Malwarebytes.
7. Start by launching Malwarebytes Anti-malware for the first time after it has been installed. If you're installing Malwarebytes for the first time, you'll get a 14-day free trial of the premium version.
8. After the program takes you to the main dashboard, click the Scanner box in the middle to start scanning the computer.
9. You won't click Scan just yet when you get to the Scanner page. Rather, select Advanced scans as shown below.
10. In the Custom scan section, click Configure scan. We will be able to alter the way the software scans the computer as a result.
11. To detect hidden malware, click the box next to Scan for rootkits on the Configure Custom Scan screen. Additionally, to enable Malwarebytes to scan every drive on your computer, check the boxes next to each one.
12. Once the Custom Scan options have been adjusted, click the Start Custom Scan button to get started.
13. A side window displaying the computer scan's progress will appear. Please wait until Malwarebytes has completed its malware scan of the entire system.
14. Following the completion of the scan, a list of threats found will appear. Check the boxes near all the malicious files and get rid of them from the computer by clicking the Quarantine button.
If prompted, please restart your computer since Malwarebytes may require it.
Step 2: Uninstall unrelated software
You may discover programs on your computer that you did not install yourself and that you do not recognize. Since they might be the source of the malware infection, we should delete them as a result.
While the most recent version of Windows settings allows you to accomplish this through the Add & Remove Programs section, it is far simpler to use the Programs and Features page in the Control Panel.
The publisher name, the installation date, and the version number will all be displayed on a single grid screen, making it simpler to locate the virus. Here's how to do so:
1. Click on the Windows key to open the Start menu.
2. Type Control Panel in the provided search bar and select the first item from the search results.
3. Click on Programs and inside, select Programs and Features.
4. You will be presented with a list of programs currently installed on your computer.
5. Find programs you do not recognize and right-click the item then select Uninstall/Change from the dropdown menu.
We'll need to use a powerful uninstaller to do the dirty work for us if the software is stubborn and won't go away with normal approaches.
Fortunately, there are tools for this; Revo Uninstaller is a good uninstaller program made to tackle and remove uninstallable programs.
Uninstall unwanted program/s using Revo Uninstaller1. To start, download Revo Uninstaller by clicking here. Avoid downloading from third-party sources as they may contain additional bloatware upon installation.
2. On the download page, opt for the free version of Revo Uninstaller as it has all the features we need. Click on Free Download to begin downloading the setup file.
3. The revosetup.exe file would have started downloading. Click on it to start installing the software.
4. Revo Uninstaller setup would now begin and follow the typical setup procedure such as selecting your setup language, accepting the license agreement, and selecting the installation location. Once setup is ready click Install.
5. After the setup is finished, check the Launch Revo Uninstaller option to open the program upon closing the installer.
6. Once Revo Uninstaller has opened, it will show you the list of applications currently installed on the computer. Find the program/s you do not recognize, right-click it, and select Uninstall from the drop-down menu. (We will be using PC App Store to demonstrate.)
7. A confirmation message stating if you are sure you want to uninstall the said program, click Continue.
8. Follow the uninstallation instructions and this time, Revo Uninstaller would have forced the program to continue with the uninstallation compared to the previous attempt via Control Panel.
9. You will be notified that the software has been uninstalled, Revo Uninstaller will now conduct a preliminary examination and get rid of additional files and registries related to the program.
10. On the selection of Scanning modes, select Advanced to make sure everything is scanned without leaving a single directory unnoticed.
11. Wait for the scan to finish as Revo Uninstaller is checking for residual files and registries related to the program.
12. Revo Uninstaller may have found leftover Registry items, click Select All and proceed to delete them by clicking the Delete button next to it. After that, click Next.
13. It may have also found some leftover files and folders, simply do the same by clicking Select All and deleting them. Now click Finish and the uninstallation of the unwanted program is done.
Step 3: Use the Tron Script (Optional)
The Tron script fights for the user, therefore it is one of our all-time favorites; it uses practically every removal and optimization method known to man, all with the touch of a single button.
It automates functions and programs for removing malware and bloatware, as well as cleaning up the computer, so the user behind the screen doesn't have to do any work at all.
With that being said, let us proceed and use the Tron script to clean the system:
1. To start, download the Tron script.
2. Extract the downloaded Tron file, with the use of an archiver like 7-Zip. Please keep in mind that you will not run the Tron script exactly as it is downloaded. You'll need to extract the.exe first.
3. After extracting the compressed file, open the Tron folder, right-click the Tron script, and run it as administrator.
4. The Tron script would have opened up and initialized by updating the database and checking the repo.
5. Once the initialization is finished, the disclaimer will be shown on the screen. Read it and type I AGREE in all caps to continue.
6. After agreeing to the disclaimer, it will show your current settings, as well as the Runtime estimate on how long the script may run. Press any key to begin running the Tron script on the system.
7. It will create a system restore point before beginning the process so if you run into any issues after running the script, you can always restore to the point it created before it started.
8. Please wait for the whole process to finish. You may see Tron script download and run multiple programs on the computer but it will uninstall them after finishing the process. This might take a long time as shown on the Runtime estimate.
9. Once everything has finished, the CMD window will have turned green which indicates that the process is a success. Press any key on your keyboard to close the Tron script.
10. To finalize the Tron script process, we recommend that you restart your computer.
After restarting your computer, you should no longer see the presence of malware threats. You can always use the Tron script as a last option if you believe your machine is infected and there is no chance of detecting the malware.
Tips to protect your PC from malware
As the saying goes: “The biggest vulnerability is the person behind the screen“
So, here are some tips and what you need to know in order to keep your device safe and malware-free in the long run.
Keep every software installed up to date
Make sure that all of the programs in your computer is up-to-date with the latest version released by the developer. The reason behind this is that these updates frequently tackle bugs and issues that malware actors often exploit.
The same goes for your computer's operating system, make sure Windows is up-to-date with the latest software update to prevent malware from exploiting a hidden vulnerability.
Avoid downloading files from unknown sources
One of the biggest sources of malware infection in a computer system is third-party installations. This happens when a user downloads a certain program from sources that are not the official download links. Some of the common types of sources where malware is present are torrent files, cracked software, and games.
Be careful with opening email attachments
Malware often disguises itself as resumes and quotations and threat actors often send thousands of these infected emails to company employees around the world in order to infiltrate their network.
Always check where your emails are coming from as there may be a chance that the project attachment you received via email did not actually come from a co-worker.
Do not visit unreputable websites
Avoid visiting websites that contain unfiltered advertisements such as illegal streaming websites, cracked software platforms, and links sent out to you by somebody you do not trust.
These sites are often linked to redirect chains that load once you click on an ad element on the page. Following this chain often leads to drive-by malware and phishing pages that an average user may eventually fail to notice.