An email claiming someone hacked your device, recorded you through your webcam, and will release it unless you pay in Bitcoin is a sextortion scam — almost always an empty bluff. Paste it for an instant read.
Quick answer — No. It's almost always an empty bluff with no actual video — sent in bulk to scare people. Don't pay or reply. If it quotes a real password, change it; then report it to ic3.gov and delete it.
✓ Free, no sign-up🔒 Nothing you paste or upload is stored⚡ Answer in ~15 sec
Why it's almost always a bluff
These emails are sent out by the millions. To seem real they may quote an old password of yours — but that comes from a past data breach, not a hack of your camera, and proves nothing. There is no video. The whole scheme relies on fear and embarrassment to rush you into paying cryptocurrency before you think it through.
What to do
Don't pay and don't reply — paying only marks you as a target for more. If the email shows a real password you still use anywhere, change it now and turn on two-factor authentication. You can cover your webcam for peace of mind, run a security scan, and report the email to the FBI's IC3 (ic3.gov) and the FTC. Then delete it.
If you already paid or shared your info
Don't panic — acting quickly limits the damage. Do these now:
Typed your password on a linked page? Change it immediately — and anywhere you reused it — then turn on two-factor authentication.
Entered a card number? Call your bank to freeze or replace the card and watch for unauthorized charges.
Read out a one-time / 2FA code, or granted remote access? Contact the company and your bank now, and run a security scan on the device.
Shared your SSN or ID? Make a plan at IdentityTheft.gov and consider a credit freeze.
Report phishing to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov (and ic3.gov for online scams).
FAQ
Should I pay a sextortion / webcam blackmail email?
No. It's almost always an empty bluff with no actual video — sent in bulk to scare people. Don't pay or reply. If it quotes a real password, change it; then report it to ic3.gov and delete it.
The email knows my password — does that mean I'm hacked?
Not your camera. That password almost always comes from an old data breach, not a device hack, and is used to make the bluff look credible. Change the password anywhere you still use it and enable two-factor authentication.