'Hello pervert': Gardaí warn public about frightening sextortion scam doing the rounds

"However, you can benefit from it, if you will act wisely.

"Have you heard of Pegasus? This is a spyware program that installs on computers and smartphones and allows hackers to monitor the activity of device owners. It provides access to your webcam, messengers, emails, call records etc. It works well on Android, iOS, macOS and Windows. I guess, you already figured out where I'm getting at.

"It's been a few months since l installed it on all your devices because you were not quite choosy about what links to click on the internet. During this period, l've learned about all aspects of your private life, but one is of special significance to me.

"l can conclude that you have sick perversion.

"I doubt you'd want your friends, family and co-workers to know about it. However, I can do it in a few clicks.

"Every number in your contact list will suddenly receive these videos - on WhatsApp, on Telegram, on Instagram, on Facebook, on email - everywhere. It is going to be a tsunami that will sweep away everything in its path, and first of all, your former life.

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"Don't think of yourself as an innocent victim. No one knows where your perversion might lead in the future, so consider this a kind of deserved punishment to stop you.

"I'm some kind of God who sees everything. However, don't panic. As we know, God is merciful and forgiving and so do but my mercy is not free.

"Once I receive confirmation of (money requested), l will permanently delete all videos compromising you, uninstall Pegasus from all of your devices, and disappear from your life. You can be sure - my benefit is only money.

"Otherwise, I wouldn't be writing to you, but destroy your life without a word in a second.

"I'll be notified when you open my email, and from that moment you have exactly 48 hours to send the money. If cryptocurrencies are unchartered waters for you, don't worry, it's very simple. Just google "crypto exchange" or "buy Litecoin" and then it will be no harder than buying some useless stuff on Amazon.

"I strongly warn you against the following:

• Do not reply to this email. I've sent it from your Microsoft account.
• Do not contact the police. I have access to all your devices, and as soon as I find out you ran to the cops, videos will be published.
• Don't try to reset or destroy your devices. As I mentioned above: I'm monitoring all your activity, so you either agree to my terms or the videos are published.

"Also, don't forget that cryptocurrencies are anonymous, so it's impossible to identify me using the provided address.

"Good luck, my perverted friend. I hope this is the last time we hear from each other.

"And some friendly advice: from now on, don't be so careless about your online security," the email concludes. 

Along with sharing insight into this disturbing scam, officers have advised people of what to do if this ever shows up in their inbox, with a spokesperson saying, "Do not engage!