Hi guys,
I’ve talked about sextortion scams in the past, but a new twist has emerged. Scammers are now using publicly available images from mapping services like Google Maps to intimidate their victims by showing photos of their homes. This makes the scam seem more personal and threatening, but don’t be fooled—these images are accessible to anyone online.
The scammers claim they’ve hacked your devices, using Pegasus spyware to collect compromising material, and demanded Bitcoin payments in exchange for silence. They might even claim you’ve visited illicit websites, but all of this is designed to scare you into acting fast. They will also often include your address or passwords that may have been exposed in data breaches to make their threats feel real.
But remember, even though they have images of your home, anyone can access these photos through services like Google Street View. They have not hacked your devices, and there’s no evidence of any spyware on your system.
What to Do If You Receive a Sextortion Email:
- Stay Calm – These threats are empty. Scammers are using publicly available data to scare you.
- Do Not Engage – Avoid replying to these emails, sending money, or clicking on any links.
- Report the Scam – While this is unsettling, it’s a common scam. Report the email to your local cybercrime agency.
- Update Your Security – Make sure your passwords are strong and unique, and consider using a password manager to avoid future data breaches.
- Blur Your House on Google Maps – To limit exposure, blur your house on Google Street View by following these steps:
- Go to Google Maps and find your house.
- Click on the image of your house and select “Report a problem” at the bottom right.
- Follow the prompts to request blurring.
Stay vigilant and continue using Incognito to scan your devices for any threats. If you’re ever unsure, our team is here to help.
All the best,
Stephen McCormack