Be aware of extortion scam emails claiming your data is stolen

You open your inbox and see a message that instantly makes your stomach drop. Someone claims they have your passwords, your files, your credit card details and your entire digital life. They say they will sell everything on the dark web unless you pay them quickly.

One reader, Bobby D, wrote to us after receiving a message exactly like this.

"I received the attached email, and I'm wondering what to do. I have the capability to mark it as Spam with my email provider, Earthlink. Because of its threatening nature...