Pervert Scam Email Pegasus

Reported
Anonymous
2024-08-05T19:10:24+00:00

Hi there

I received an email at 05:56 today stating that I had had Pegasus spyware installed on my PC and that explicit videos of me would be shared with my contacts unless I paid a virtual currency ransom.

I did find it in my junk folder, but I still wanted to reach out as this email has caused me a great deal of anxiety. I have viewed online forums that state the email is a common scam, and that there are others similar to it in circulation, but I would still appreciate an expert opinion.

Also it was send with my email, and outlook detect it like it was me

For person that face the same problem

You can check the source code of the email and see if fsp fails, that mean that the guy spoofed the email so you are not hacked guys

It look like this

protection.outlook.com: domain of hotmail.com does not designate 95.214.82.181 as permitted sender

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Email

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2024-08-06T03:34:45+00:00

Hi NEVARLeVrai,

Thank you for using Microsoft products and posting in the community.

I know you're worried about your email being hacked. Here are some suggestions to help you deal with this situation and keep your device safe:

  1. Do not respond or pay

First and foremost, do not respond to the threatener or make a payment to them. Such emails are usually phishing or blackmail, designed to intimidate you for money.

  1. Confirm the authenticity of the email

Check the sender's address: Double-check the sender's email address to make sure it matches your email address exactly. Sometimes, attackers forge sender information.

Check the header information: If you know how to view the full header information of an email, you can check if the email is really from your domain.

  1. Change your password

Change your Microsoft account password immediately. Make sure you choose a strong password and enable double authentication (2FA) for added security.

Check other accounts: if you use the same password for other websites, it is recommended that you change these as well.

  1. Check device security

Run a security scan: Use a trusted antivirus program to run a full scan of your device. Make sure your antivirus software is up to date.

Check applications: See if there are any unidentified applications or files on your device, especially recently installed ones.

  1. Monitor Account Activity

Check Account Activity: Sign in to your Microsoft account and review recent sign-in activity to make sure there aren't any suspicious sign-ins.

Check other important accounts: Check the activity of your banking, social media, and other important accounts to ensure there is no unauthorized access.

  1. Report an Incident

Contact local law enforcement: If you feel threatened or are concerned about your safety, consider reporting it to your local law enforcement agency.

  1. Understanding Pegasus spyware

How to check for infections: Detecting Pegasus spyware isn't easy, but there are a number of security tools you can try to scan for it.

Keep your device up-to-date: Make sure your operating system and applications are kept up-to-date to prevent known vulnerabilities from being exploited.

I hope these programs can help you.

Best regards

Jay | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-10-08T22:21:25+00:00

    Reddit has lot of this kind of post where everybody is saying it is a scam! Do not send money but for safer side just change the passwords. Make sure antivirus software and OS is latest. Clean up your browsing history. It could have been because of data breach on some websites. They are using email spoofing so it looks like it came from your email and we would get scared thinking that it has actually been hacked.

    To remove the Pegasus spyware, download and install the free version of Malwarebytes then scan your computer.

    DOWNLOAD: Cyber Security Software and Anti-Malware | Malwarebytes

    After quarantining Pegasus spyware then clear all browser history and change your Microsoft account password.

    BTW; it's not Pegasus but actually, it's a PUP. Optional malware that scammers are using to spy on your cookies.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-10-08T21:42:34+00:00

    Hello,

    It’s been at least a week or so and nothing has happened. Don’t worry, you can keep everything you have including social media, phone number etc. It’s all just a scare nothing has happened to me.

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-10-08T21:30:09+00:00

    8. If you've been affected by the Pegasus spyware, first install the free version of Malwarebytes and scan your computer then once the spyware is found, click on quarantine and restart your computer. Now you can change your MS account password.

    DOWNLOAD: Cyber Security Software and Anti-Malware | Malwarebytes

    BTW; it's not Pegasus but actually, it's a PUP. Optional spyware that scammers are using to spy on your browser.

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2024-10-08T21:16:26+00:00

    Hello,

    I also recently received an email using my own email account stating the exact same thing, I'm following the advice however I am deleting all social media and honestly feel like resetting my phone and getting a new number :( this is causing so much anxiety :( if there's any other advice you can give please I'm all ears

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