Attackers send an email or a message via the company's contact form stating that the server has been hacked. A ransom is to be paid to prevent the case from becoming public.
The scammers send blackmail letters claiming that a website has been hacked or that data has been leaked. This is a typical fake extortion attempt – a bluff. Scammers send these messages at random, hoping to intimidate recipients into paying a ransom. Ignore these types of emails.
Specific measures
Preventive measures
How the NCSC can help
Further Information
- Ignore these types of messages and do not be intimidated.
- To date, the NCSC is not aware of any cases where a web server has been hacked or data stolen after receiving such a threat.
- If you have suffered a financial loss, we recommend that you report it to the police. You can find your nearest police station on the Suisse ePolice website.
Your report via the online form helps the NCSC identify trends. This makes it possible for the NCSC to raise public awareness in a targeted way.
Last modification 09.10.2025
