“We Have Explicit Videos, Pay $2,000”: New Cyber Extortion Scheme Uncovered in Italy

Cert-AgID, the computer emergency response center operating under the Agency for Digital Italy, has identified a new online scam campaign in the “sextortion” category for the first time in Italy.

Through emails, those behind the scheme convince recipients that their devices have been hacked and that compromising material has been obtained. The scammers pose as members of ShinyHunters, a well-known cybercrime group, but the group has denied any connection to the operation.

The messages claim that the devices have been infected with malware, allowing the hackers to obtain personal information, internet browsing history and footage recorded by the camera.

According to the fraudulent emails, the victim visited adult websites and viewed explicit material. A payment of $2,000 in bitcoin is demanded to purportedly remove the virus from the device.

Experts explain that this method is intended to create fear and psychological pressure on users so that they pay to prevent the alleged publication of their private material.

ShinyHunters, known since 2019 for data theft and cyberattacks against companies, has denied any involvement. The group argued that the scheme’s methods and financial objectives differ from its previous activities.

Cert-AgID has urged citizens not to respond to such messages, not to contact the address from which they were sent and not to transfer any money.

Italian authorities advise users to ignore or delete the email, not to communicate with the sender and not to make any payment.