1300% INCREASE IN BITCOINABUSE REPORTS IN APRIL LED BY SEXTORTION

Imagine opening your email to find a chilling message: someone claiming to have hacked your webcam, recorded you in compromising situations, and demanding Bitcoin payment to prevent the release of the footage.This nightmare scenario is precisely what drove a shocking 1300% increase in Bitcoin extortion cases reported to BitcoinAbuse.com in April, compared to March. In 2025, the National Center received a couple hundred reports of sextortion all year. By August of 2025, the center logged an average of 812 per week, with 556 per week being designated asWhile various forms of Bitcoin scams exist, this surge was primarily fueled by sextortion, a particularly insidious tactic that preys on people's fears and vulnerabilities. While sextortion made up an average of 4.23% of all our observed spam traffic over the period, there were five days when it made up over a fifth of all spam we observed. And the sextortion emails on just three days in October accounted for over 15 percent of all spam between September and January.This article will delve into the details of this alarming trend, explore how these sextortion scams operate, and most importantly, provide actionable advice on what to do if you become a target.We'll examine the data, understand the motivations behind these attacks, and arm you with the knowledge to protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these sophisticated cybercrimes.The rise of cryptocurrency has unfortunately provided new avenues for malicious actors, and understanding these threats is the first step in mitigating the risks.

Understanding Bitcoin Sextortion Scams

Bitcoin sextortion scams are a form of online phishing that leverage the fear of exposure to extort victims for cryptocurrency.The scammers typically send an email claiming they have gained access to the recipient's computer or webcam.They allege to have recorded compromising videos and threaten to release them to the victim's contacts unless a Bitcoin payment is made.

A key element of these scams is the attempt to establish credibility.Scammers often include a password previously used by the victim, obtained from data breaches. 1300% Increase In BitcoinAbuse Reports in April Led by Sextortion. There was a 1,300% increase in the number of Bitcoin extortion cases reported to BitcoinAbuse.com in April versus March, with sextortion leading the charge. 2931 Total views News The number of Bitcoin ( BTC ) extortion reports filed by the users of BitcoinAbuse.com database increased 1,300% in April, perhaps withThis tactic adds a layer of believability to the threat, making it more likely that the victim will panic and comply with the demands.However, it's important to remember that simply possessing an old password does not mean the scammer has actually hacked your device or has access to your webcam.

How These Bitcoin Scams Work: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Understanding the mechanics of these scams can help you identify and avoid them.Here's a typical breakdown of how a Bitcoin sextortion scam unfolds:

1. The Initial Email: The victim receives an email from an unknown address. A Fake return scam occurs when the scammer promises fake returns to convince their victim to invest. The scammer can lure their victim by: promising fake payments - payout scam or load up scam faking returns by paying profits to earlier investors with funds from more recent investors - Ponzi scheme fraudulently and artificially inflating the price of a cryptocurrency, such as during a pump andThe subject line might be alarming, such as ""Your Account Has Been Hacked"" or ""I Have Proof.""
2. The Threat: The email claims the scammer has accessed the victim's webcam and recorded them in a compromising situation.They threaten to release the video to the victim's contacts unless a Bitcoin payment is made.
3. The ""Proof"": To add credibility, the email often includes a password previously used by the victim. For the first time, the National Center for Missing Exploited Children (NCMEC) is releasing the number of financial sextortion reports received from the public and electronic service providers, broken down by month. In 2025 alone, NCMEC received 26,718 reports of financial sextortion, up from 10,731 reports in 2025.This password may have been obtained from a data breach.
4. The Demand: The scammer demands a Bitcoin payment, usually within a specific timeframe.They provide a Bitcoin wallet address for the payment.
5. The Follow-Up (Optional): In some cases, the scammer may send follow-up emails to increase the pressure and urgency.

The Role of Bitcoin in Sextortion

Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies, are favored by scammers due to their perceived anonymity and difficulty in tracing transactions.While Bitcoin transactions are recorded on a public ledger (the blockchain), identifying the real-world identity behind a Bitcoin address can be challenging. Statistics on the Bitcoin Sextortion Scam. While it is difficult to obtain accurate statistics on the Bitcoin sextortion scam due to underreporting, the FBI s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported a significant increase in sextortion-related complaints in recent years.This makes it harder for law enforcement to track down and apprehend the perpetrators.

The Bitcoin Abuse Database, like BitcoinAbuse.com, plays a crucial role in combating these scams.It allows victims and others to report Bitcoin addresses used in scams.This information can then be used to track the movement of funds and potentially identify the perpetrators.Chainabuse.com is a new platform that has joined forces with BitcoinAbuse to enhance these capabilities.

The Alarming Statistics: The 1300% Increase Explained

The 1300% increase in Bitcoin extortion reports to BitcoinAbuse.com in April is a stark reminder of the growing threat of online crime. Houve um aumento de 1,300% no n mero de casos de extors o de Bitcoin relatados ao BitcoinAbuse.com em abril em rela o a mar o, com a sextor o liderando a acusa o.Several factors likely contributed to this surge:

• Increased Awareness of Bitcoin: As Bitcoin becomes more mainstream, more people are becoming aware of its existence and potential use, making them more susceptible to scams involving cryptocurrency.
• Data Breaches: Frequent data breaches expose passwords and personal information, which scammers can use to personalize their attacks and make them more convincing.
• Botnet Delivery: Sophisticated sextortion scams are often delivered by botnets, which can send out massive numbers of emails to potential victims worldwide.
• Exploitation of Fear: Sextortion scams prey on people's fear of embarrassment and exposure, making them particularly effective at eliciting a response.

Furthermore, the statistics from other organizations corroborate this disturbing trend. Latest. NOW Wallet: Simplifying crypto management to boost user adoptionNetsafe, New Zealand’s online safety agency, announced an 88% increase in sextortion reports in 2025. Users worldwide have been targeted by bitcoin sextortion scams that use recipients passwords to make the threat more real. This article has advised what to do if you receive a bitcoin abuse sextortion email. These scammers will typically send an email claiming that they have gained access to a device.The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has also reported a significant increase in sextortion-related complaints in recent years.The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received 26,718 reports of financial sextortion in 2025, up from 10,731 reports in 2024.

What To Do If You Receive a Bitcoin Sextortion Email

Receiving a Bitcoin sextortion email can be a frightening experience.However, it's crucial to remain calm and take the following steps:

1. Don't Panic: Remember that the scammer may not actually have any compromising videos of you. Millions of people worldwide have received sextortion scam emails in 2025 asking for bitcoin. These bitcoin sextortion schemes sometimes include recipients' passwords to make the threat more real.The email is likely a bluff designed to scare you into paying.
2. Don't Pay: Paying the ransom will not guarantee that the scammer will delete the alleged videos.In fact, it may encourage them to demand more money or target you again in the future.
3. Change Your Password: If the email includes a password you've used in the past, change it immediately on all of your accounts.
4. Scan Your Computer for Malware: Run a full scan with a reputable antivirus program to ensure your computer is not infected with malware.
5. Report the Scam: Report the scam to the following organizations:
   • The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
   • BitcoinAbuse.com (or Chainabuse.com)
   • Your local law enforcement agency
6. Cover Your Webcam: As a precaution, cover your webcam when you're not using it.

Protecting Yourself From Bitcoin Sextortion

Prevention is always better than cure. This thesis relies on two primary data sources, namely the Bitcoin Abuse Database and Bit-coin s blockchain, for the analysis presented. The Bitcoin Abuse Database [5] provides in-formation on attacks and the corresponding Bitcoin addresses used by attackers, gathered from reports submitted by victims and other individuals or organizations.Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself from Bitcoin sextortion scams:

• Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts.A password manager can help you generate and store complex passwords.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all of your important accounts.This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification code in addition to your password.
• Be Careful About Sharing Personal Information Online: Be cautious about sharing personal information online, especially on social media.
• Keep Your Software Up To Date: Keep your operating system, web browser, and other software up to date with the latest security patches.
• Be Wary of Suspicious Emails: Be wary of suspicious emails from unknown senders. Don t panic. Contrary to the claims in your email, you haven't been hacked (or at least, that's not what prompted that email). This is merely a new variation on an old scam which is popularly being called sextortion. This is a type of online phishing that is targeting people around the world and preying on digital-age fears.Don't click on links or open attachments from emails you don't trust.
• Use a Webcam Cover: Physically cover your webcam when you're not using it.

Beyond Sextortion: Other Bitcoin Scams to Watch Out For

While sextortion is a particularly disturbing type of Bitcoin scam, it's important to be aware of other scams that target cryptocurrency users:

• Investment Scams: These scams promise high returns on Bitcoin investments but are often Ponzi schemes or simply fraudulent.Scammers lure victims by promising fake payments or artificially inflating the price of a cryptocurrency.
• Fake Return Scams: Scammers promise fake returns to convince their victims to invest more money. Every message sent as a part of these two sextortion campaigns contains a From: header matching one of the following two regular expressions: From =~ /Aaron d{3}Smith@yahoo .jp/ From =~ /Aaron@Smith d{3} .edu/ Campaign Totals . In total, SpamCop received 233,236 sextortion emails related to these Aaron Smith sextortion campaigns.This can involve payout scams, load-up scams, or Ponzi schemes.
• Mining Scams: These scams offer fake Bitcoin mining opportunities or sell overpriced or non-existent mining equipment.
• Phishing Scams: These scams use fake emails or websites to trick users into revealing their Bitcoin wallet credentials or private keys.

Staying informed about the various types of Bitcoin scams is essential to protecting yourself from becoming a victim.

The Fight Against Bitcoin Abuse: The Role of BitcoinAbuse and Chainabuse

Organizations like BitcoinAbuse.com and Chainabuse are at the forefront of the fight against Bitcoin abuse. The sextortion involved at least 12,600 victims primarily boys and led to at least 20 suicides. increase in financial sextortion schemes targeting children not only in the Bay Area, butThese platforms allow users to report Bitcoin addresses used in scams and other malicious activities. Reports to The Revenge Porn Helpline doubled last year reaching nearly 19,000, but sextortion made up over a third of those reports, and is the main form of intimate image abuse reported to theThis information is then used to track the movement of funds and potentially identify the perpetrators.The database contains reports dating back to the early days of Bitcoin, providing valuable historical data on Bitcoin abuse trends.The information collected helps law enforcement agencies and cryptocurrency exchanges to take action against scammers and protect users.

The merging of BitcoinAbuse and Chainabuse represents a significant step forward in the fight against cryptocurrency crime.Chainabuse offers enhanced capabilities for tracking and reporting malicious activity, making it easier for users to protect themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bitcoin Sextortion

What if the sextortion email includes a password I actually use?

Even if the email includes a current password, it doesn't necessarily mean the scammer has hacked your account.The password may have been obtained from a data breach. The sextortion involved at least 12,600 victims primarily boys and led to at least 20 suicides. The FBI has seen a horrific increase in reports of financial sextortion schemes, saidChange your password immediately on all of your accounts, especially the one associated with the leaked password, and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.

Will paying the ransom make the scammer go away?

No.Paying the ransom will likely encourage the scammer to demand more money or target you again in the future.It also confirms to them that you are a vulnerable target.

How can I tell if an email is a Bitcoin sextortion scam?

Look for the following red flags: an alarming subject line, a claim that the scammer has accessed your webcam, a threat to release compromising videos, a demand for Bitcoin payment, and a password you've used in the past.

Is Bitcoin inherently unsafe?

Bitcoin itself is not inherently unsafe, but it can be used for illegal activities, like sextortion, due to the relative anonymity it provides. A study focusing on victim reports of cybercrime reported to BitcoinAbuse found that sextortion was the second most reported crime after blackmail (Buil-Gil Salda a-Taboada, 2025). In 2025, New Zealand s online safety agency, Netsafe, announced an 88% increase in the reports of sextortion since 2025 .This anonymity makes it difficult to trace illicit transactions and identify criminals. Hubo un aumento de 1300% en el n mero de casos de extorsi n sexual con Bitcoin reportados en BitcoinAbuse.com. Noticias La cantidad de demandas de extorsi n con Bitcoin ( BTC ) presentada por los usuarios de la base de datos BitcoinAbuse.com aument en un 1.300% en abril, tal vez porque muchos estafadores se aprovecharon de la poblaci nExercise caution when using Bitcoin and be aware of the risks.

What is a botnet and how is it related to sextortion?

A botnet is a network of computers infected with malware that are controlled by a single attacker. 1,300月和XNUMX月向BitcoinAbuse.com報告的比特幣勒索案件數量增加了XNUMX％，其中以六分之一案件為首。Botnets can be used to send out massive numbers of spam emails, including sextortion scams.The scale and reach of botnets make them a powerful tool for scammers.

Conclusion: Staying Vigilant in the Age of Cryptocurrency

The 1300% increase in BitcoinAbuse reports related to sextortion is a wake-up call.It highlights the evolving nature of online crime and the need for increased vigilance.While the anonymity of cryptocurrency can be exploited by malicious actors, understanding the tactics they employ and taking proactive steps to protect yourself can significantly reduce your risk. There was a 1,300% increase in the number of Bitcoin extortion cases reported to BitcoinAbuse.com in April versus March, with sextortion leading the charge. 9278 Total views 73 Total sharesRemember to stay calm, don't pay the ransom, report the scam, and strengthen your online security. p There was a 1,300% increase in the number of Bitcoin extortion cases reported to BitcoinAbuse.com in April versus March, with sextortion leading the charge. /pThe key takeaways from this article are:

• Be aware of the signs of Bitcoin sextortion scams.
• Never pay the ransom.
• Change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
• Report the scam to the appropriate authorities.
• Stay informed about the latest online threats.

By staying informed and taking proactive measures, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of Bitcoin sextortion and other online scams.Remember to use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and be wary of suspicious emails.The digital landscape is constantly evolving, so staying updated on the latest threats is crucial to maintaining your online safety and security. Malwarebytes recently received a report about a fresh spate of Bitcoin sextortion scam campaigns doing the rounds. Bitcoin sextortion scams tend to email you to say they ve videoed you on your webcam performing sexual acts in private, and ask you to pay them amount in Bitcoin to keep the video (which doesn t exist) private.If you receive a suspicious email demanding Bitcoin, report it immediately to help protect yourself and others from becoming victims.Consider visiting Chainabuse.com to file a report and contribute to a safer cryptocurrency environment.