Some of the Ashley Madison users whose details were stolen in the high-profile hack earlier in the year are now reportedly being blackmailed to pay a ransom or face having their account details exposed to friends and family.
According to security expert Graham Cluely, some of the ransom letters – delivered via regular post – have demanded thousands of dollars to not reveal details of user’s indiscretions. One of users who received a letter told Cluely:
“I just received a physical postal letter to my house asking for $4167 USD or exposed my AM account to people close to me. is your advice the same as in your vid about email blackmail? Thank you.”
The decision to send a physical letter is an interesting one, as it obviously leaves open potential evidence and avenues of enquiry for the police.
Cluely, as he has previously said, advises that no one pays the blackmailers, as they’re likely “trying their luck” and hoping a few people will pay up.
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While undoubtedly another unsettling development for Ashley Madison members that likely hoped this had all blown over, it’s nice that the blackmailers are ending with a polite ‘thank you’ isn’t it?
➤ Ashley Madison blackmailers now sending threats via US postal system [via BBC]
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