Grayson West
You’re sipping your morning coffee when your inbox pings. Inside is an email with a photo of your house and a message that makes your skin crawl: “Don’t even try to hide. I’ve got video footage of you.”
This is a terrifying scenario, and sadly, a real scam spreading across inboxes nationwide. Cybercriminals seem to be stepping up their game, and you should too. Here are five steps to follow, especially if the situation is exactly or somehow similar to that described above.
Step 1: Compare The Image To Available Online Public Sources
According to Al Iverson, a cybersecurity expert at Valimail, scammers often rely on information leaked in past data breaches and then pair it with Google Maps street images to make threats look convincing.
For example, that chilling photo of your house. That is usually just a screenshot pulled straight from Street View.
When you see your home plastered in an email, it’s normal to panic. But remember—if the image matches Google Maps, the sender hasn’t been anywhere near your front yard. Simply perform a quick check to expose the bluff instantly.
Step 2: Don’t Take The Bait With Links
Some emails might come with links attached. Don’t you dare click them!
Zarik Megerdichian, founder of Loop8, warns against clicking links inside such suspicious emails. Many of these scams may direct you to payment pages that you cannot escape, as some transactions using Bitcoin, Zelle, and Cash App are irreversible. Once the money’s gone, it’s gone for good.
Think of it like tossing cash into a bottomless pit. If you never click, you never fall. The safer course of action is to delete the message and report it to the authorities immediately.
Step 3: Inspect The Sender’s Email Address
Iverson also explains that examining the sender’s domain closely can reveal scams. In Gmail, the “Show Original” option lets you see SPF, DKIM, and DMARC results. These checks verify whether an email is truly from its claimed domain. If all three show “PASS,” the message is likely genuine; otherwise, red flags are raised.
Scammers sometimes spoof email addresses, making it look like the message is from you or a familiar contact. That doesn’t mean your account was hacked—it’s just digital trickery designed to rattle you.
Step 4: Change Your Passwords Immediately
If you suspect any form of compromise, Yashin Manraj, CEO of Pvotal Technologies, emphasizes the importance of updating credentials. He advises switching critical financial or utility accounts to a new email address for extra safety. Password changes should be immediate and thorough across all major accounts.
Cybercriminals thrive on reused logins. By refreshing passwords, you cut off their potential entry points before they can test stolen data.
Step 5: Report The Scam And Stay Alert
Scams demanding money should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission. If banking details were exposed, it’s equally important to monitor accounts, dispute fraudulent charges, and block future attempts.
Taking action creates a digital paper trail. It also arms regulators with the data needed to track patterns and shut down larger scam networks.
What To Remember Going Forward
Data is today’s currency, and as Megerdichian points out, businesses often collect more than necessary. Every time you overshare online—whether signing up for a new app or creating an account—you increase the information available for criminals to exploit.
Protecting yourself doesn’t mean living off the grid. It means sharing less, verifying more, and recognizing when an email is all bark and no bite.