Common Scam Alert: Beware of Pegasus Spyware Emails!

Have you recently received an alarming email claiming to have compromising footage of you obtained through Pegasus spyware? Well, you’re not alone. Many individuals have fallen victim to this widespread scam, which aims to extort money by threatening to leak sensitive information.

Social media platforms have been buzzing with concerns over these scam emails, with reports of recipients receiving emails containing photos of their own homes. The sender of the email asserts that they have accessed the recipient’s personal information and webcam footage through Pegasus spyware, threatening to distribute this content to all contacts unless a bitcoin payment is made.

According to Google Trends, searches related to Pegasus spyware have surged in the last week, reflecting the growing concern and awareness about this deceptive tactic.

The Verdict

No, the emails alleging Pegasus spyware surveillance and including home photos are not genuine.

Unmasking the Scam

These emails, which blend threats, false claims, and extortion demands, are classic examples of online scams. Police departments across several states, including Ohio, Utah, and Pennsylvania, have issued warnings about these deceptive emails.

Back in 2020, the Federal Trade Commission raised an alert regarding the surge in such scam emails, targeting individuals by falsifying claims about hacked computers and adult website visits. It is imperative not to succumb to these threats and refrain from making any payments.

While Pegasus spyware indeed exists, access to it is limited to government entities, making it improbable for individuals to utilize it for personal gains.

The personal information in these emails likely stemmed from data breaches, as highlighted by the FTC. Moreover, photos of homes were likely sourced from Google Maps, further deepening the web of deception.

Fighting Back

The FTC recommends promptly deleting these scam emails and reporting them to relevant authorities like the FBI and their website. It’s crucial to stay vigilant and thwart these scammers’ attempts to exploit unsuspecting individuals.