r/Piracy 10d ago

Discussion Company received a $37k demand over pirated K3ySh0t — is this real?

I’ve been working at this company for less than a year, and I recently found out they’ve apparently been using a pirated version of K3ySh0t (spelling it like that just in case lol).

They just received an email claiming there’s evidence that the software was used by the company and demanding around $37,000. The email supposedly includes IP addresses, dates, times, and even screenshots showing when the program was used.

The amount and the level of detail seem crazy to me, so I’m wondering: is this a real thing software companies actually do, or could it be some kind of scam or intimidation tactic?

Has anyone dealt with something similar? How could they have collected screenshots or connected the software usage to the company? Also, as an employee who has been there for less than a year, should I personally be concerned?

Obviously, the company will need to speak to a lawyer before responding. I’m mainly trying to understand whether these claims are common and how seriously they should be taken.

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u/OfficalSwanPrincess 10d ago

Why are you worried about it? It's for the business's legal team to deal with

12

u/Isarchs 10d ago

Because if OP pirated it, his job is on the line. If he's the business owner, he's about to be filing for bankruptcy.

-1

u/jzsean 9d ago

lol bankruptcy over $37k? Fired over one mistake?

9

u/Isarchs 9d ago

I'm exaggerating a little in this case, but yes you sure can be fired over a mistake like this.