Received an email saying someone has hacked my email account I received an email saying that someone has hacked my email over 6 months ago and they say that through it they have infected my operating system with a virus. They say they have access to all my accounts, browsing history, photos, files on my computer, they also said that they have taken screenshots through the camera on my device.

Is this at all possible? I do have a computer that I use occasionally but mainly go through my iPad or iPhone.
Fake. Delete It and Move On

I got a similar email last week and it is fake. All the details you mentioned are identical to the email I received. In my case, I use 2-factor authentication for my Gmail account, LastPass for my password management and a VPN for all my connected devices. The most telling part of the fakery is that the ‘hacker’ compromised you six months ago, yet has not taken any action. If they have the goods on you, why not sooner? Lastly, the email appeared in my Gmail SPAM filter. That’s the biggest clue to that it is SPAM.

Sample Spam


  Hello!
  
  My nickname in darknet is hort17.
  I hacked this mailbox more than six months ago, 
  through it I infected your operating system with a virus (trojan) created by me and have been monitoring you for a long time.
  
  So, your password from  is  (and incorrect, btw).
  
  Even if you changed the password after that - it does not matter, my virus intercepted all the caching data on your computer
  and automatically saved access for me.
  
  I have access to all your accounts, social networks, email, browsing history.
  Accordingly, I have the data of all your contacts, files from your computer, photos and videos.
  
  I was most struck by the intimate content sites that you occasionally visit.
  You have a very wild imagination, I tell you!
  
  During your pastime and entertainment there, I took screenshot through the camera of your device, synchronizing with what you are watching.
  Oh my god! You are so funny and excited!
  
  I think that you do not want all your contacts to get these files, right?
  If you are of the same opinion, then I think that $890 is quite a fair price to destroy the dirt I created.
  
  Send the above amount on my BTC wallet (bitcoin): 1EZS92[...redacted...]E62e9XY
  As soon as the above amount is received, I guarantee that the data will be deleted, I do not need it.
  
  Otherwise, these files and history of visiting sites will get all your contacts from your device.
  Also, I'll send to everyone your contact access to your email and access logs, I have carefully saved it!
  
  Since reading this letter you have 48 hours!
  After your reading this message, I'll receive an automatic notification that you have seen the letter.
  
  I hope I taught you a good lesson.
  Do not be so nonchalant, please visit only to proven resources, and don't enter your passwords anywhere!
  Good luck!