UK Gmail, Yahoo & Outlook Users Warned of Dangerous Email Scam Surge – Thousands Targeted in Extortion Attacks

A shocking new email scam is sweeping across the UK, with Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook users being warned to stay alert. According to the UK’s Action Fraud team, there has been a massive spike in email extortion scams, with criminals using fear tactics and personal data to target unsuspecting victims.

In February 2025, only 133 reports of this scam were recorded. But just a month later, in March, that number exploded to a staggering 2,924 reported cases.

What Are These Extortion Emails?

These scam emails often claim that hackers have been monitoring the victim’s computer activity. Victims are falsely told they were recorded visiting adult websites through their webcam, and that footage will be released to friends and family unless a ransom is paid—usually in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin.

What’s more alarming is that many of these emails include real personal information such as passwords and home addresses, making them seem very convincing. Action Fraud warns that this data likely comes from historic data breaches where sensitive information was leaked online.

One Victim’s Story: Hackers Took Over Bank & Social Accounts

One UK resident shared his terrifying experience after receiving a scam email demanding $500. Although he ignored and deleted the email, he soon found himself locked out of his social media accounts, and later discovered that even one of his bank accounts had been compromised.

This real-life case highlights the potential dangers of these phishing scams—ignoring the scam is not enough if personal data is already exposed.

Expert Warning from UK Police

Detective Chief Inspector Hayley King, Head of Prevention at the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, said:

“Criminals will go to great lengths to make these scams seem legitimate. If an email includes a leaked password or address, it's likely from a past breach.”

She added that anyone receiving such messages should immediately forward the email to report@phishing.gov.uk and then delete it. Victims of extortion or those concerned about intimate content being shared should contact their local police by calling 101.

Action Fraud's Top Safety Tips:

• Do NOT reply or engage with the scammer.

• Forward the email to: report@phishing.gov.uk

• Delete the email from your inbox and trash.

• Change your passwords, especially if the email includes a real one.

• Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts.

• Check your email on websites like “Have I Been Pwned” to see if your data was leaked.

Stay Safe Online

This latest email scam is a harsh reminder of the growing threat of cybercrime in the UK and beyond. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated, UK users are urged to stay informed, update their security settings, and report suspicious messages immediately.