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  Geebo 9:00 am on February 21, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: blackmail, email ( 7 ), extortion ( 17 ), Scams ( 1,429 ), sextortion ( 4 )   

  Urgent Warning: Nationwide Extortion Scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Across the country, a pervasive online extortion scam is finding its way into email inboxes, preying on fear and uncertainty. Authorities in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, are warning residents to be vigilant as this scam continues to spread. While the messages may appear convincing and even alarming, they are nothing more than fraudulent attempts to manipulate victims into paying money to cybercriminals.

  The scam typically involves an email claiming that the recipient has been caught visiting adult content websites. The sender alleges they have used the recipient’s own webcam to capture compromising images and threatens to release them unless a ransom is paid. To increase the sense of urgency, the email often includes personal details such as a phone number or home address, making it appear more credible. However, officials stress that these emails are entirely fraudulent and should not be engaged with under any circumstances.

  These types of extortion scams have been reported nationwide, with the FBI’s most recent crime report documenting more than 48,000 cases last year alone. Fraudsters use various tactics, from fake threats of exposing personal information to romance scams designed to manipulate individuals into sending money. Many of these scams rely on personal data that has been leaked or sold on the dark web, making it easier for criminals to craft convincing messages.

  Authorities urge recipients to recognize the warning signs of such scams. Fraudulent emails typically lack specific details about the alleged wrongdoing, fail to provide evidence, and demand urgent payment, often in untraceable forms such as Bitcoin, gift cards, or wire transfers. Additionally, the messages frequently contain grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and unrealistic ultimatums.

  To protect against these scams, cybersecurity experts recommend never responding to suspicious emails. Instead, mark them as spam or junk, delete them immediately, and report them to the appropriate authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Security precautions such as enabling two-factor authentication, using strong passwords, and installing security software can also help safeguard personal information. Covering a computer’s webcam when not in use can provide an extra layer of privacy and peace of mind.

  Scammers rely on fear and intimidation to pressure victims into complying with their demands. By staying informed, individuals can avoid falling prey to these fraudulent schemes. If an email claims to have compromising information, remain calm, do not engage, and take the necessary steps to protect yourself. With continued awareness and proactive cybersecurity measures, these scams can be rendered ineffective, preventing more individuals from becoming victims of online extortion.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 22, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: blackmail, Cheating ( 3 ), college ( 17 ), extortion ( 17 ), Scams ( 1,429 ), tutor ( 2 )   

  Fraudulent Tutors Become Blackmailers 

  

  By Greg Collier

  If you’re a college or high school student seeking help with homework or test preparation, be cautious. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is sounding the alarm about a rising number of scams involving fraudulent tutors. Instead of providing academic assistance, these scammers exploit students who hire them to complete assignments, using the situation to engage in extortion.

  The scam begins when a student enlists a tutor to handle their assignments or help them cheat on tests. Rather than delivering the promised services, the scammer demands payment upfront, only to later threaten the student with exposure unless additional money is paid. After the initial payment, the scammer often continues to demand more, citing bogus reasons like extra research needs. As a result, students can end up losing thousands of dollars, while receiving no academic help whatsoever.

  The BBB stresses that hiring someone to complete your schoolwork constitutes cheating. For students who need legitimate tutoring to understand their class material, there are ways to avoid falling prey to these cons. First, consider asking friends, family, or teachers for recommendations. Schools often have resources, including other students, who offer tutoring at little to no cost, making them a reliable place to start.

  Additionally, it’s wise to verify the credentials of any potential tutor by asking for references. Contacting those references provides insight into their experiences and the results they’ve seen, helping you make an informed decision. Before starting any tutoring sessions, it’s also essential to agree on availability and rates upfront. While fees might increase for extra sessions ahead of a big test, these should be discussed in advance to avoid unexpected demands, which are often signs of a scam.

  In your quest for academic support, it’s important to be cautious. Taking the time to find a trustworthy tutor helps you learn and ensures that you won’t be taken advantage of by scammers looking to profit from your education.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 25, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: blackmail, dating apps ( 2 ), extortion ( 17 ), online dating ( 8 ), police impersonation scam ( 71 ), Scams ( 1,429 )   

  Dating site scam blackmails victims 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Connecting with others has become easier than ever. However, this convenience comes with its own set of risks. Recently, there has been an alarming increase in scams involving imposters pretending to be law enforcement officials. These scammers target unsuspecting victims, often through dating apps, coercing them into parting with their money.

  Recently, in South Carolina, a warning was issued about scammers posing as members of an internet crimes task force or local police. These fraudsters start by luring victims on dating apps, where men believe they are chatting with a woman. Once the conversation progresses, the scam takes a sinister turn. Victims are accused of interacting with a minor and are then approached by scammers posing as a “parent” or “investigator.” They demand money in exchange for dropping the supposed charges. Alarmingly, the scammers have gone as far as using a real investigator’s information to seem more legitimate.

  Legitimate law enforcement officials never request money in exchange for dropping charges. Anyone receiving such calls should report them to local law enforcement agencies.

  A similar scam recently unfolded in Nebraska, where a man lost over $2,000 after befriending a woman on a dating app. After receiving unsolicited photos, he was contacted by someone claiming to work with the police, stating that the girl’s father would not press charges if he paid a sum of money. Trusting the caller, the victim wired the money to an online account.

  These incidents underscore the need for caution in our digital interactions. It is essential to verify the identity of individuals you interact with online, especially if they ask for money. Be wary of unexpected messages or calls, particularly those involving threats or requests for money. Avoid sharing personal or financial information with people you meet online, even if they seem trustworthy. If you receive a suspicious request, contact local authorities directly to verify its legitimacy. Staying informed about common scams and how they operate is your best defense against fraudsters.

   
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  Geebo 9:10 am on August 6, 2018 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: blackmail, extortion ( 17 ), Facebook ( 181 ), scam ( 22 )   

  New Facebook extortion scam hits Texas town 

  

  Before the advent of Facebook, craigslist was ground zero for most internet scams. While craigslist is still used for a multitude of scams, a lot of con artists have moved to Facebook due to the sheer number of worldwide users Facebook has. A number of these scams involve blackmail or extortion where the con artist lulls the victim into a false sense of security in order to gain some kind of private information from the victim that the scammer can use for financial gain. In the past, these scammers would try to obtain very intimate photos of the victim before threatening to publish them if the victim didn’t pay. Now, a small Texas town is finding out that the blackmailers don’t even need intimate photos of you to try to extort money from you.

  As reported by NewsWest9.com, police in the city of Floydada, Texas, have been receiving a number of reports about someone trying to blackmail local residents on Facebook. How this new scam works is that the scammer befriends the victim on Facebook in order to get the victim to engage in a video chat. The chat doesn’t even have to be risqué as the scammer just wants an image of your face. Then the scammer superimposes your face onto an explicit photo and threatens to send it to everyone on your friends list if you don’t pay the blackmailers.

  I’m sure you’re asking why you should be concerned about what’s going on in a small city probably nowhere near you. The reason you should be concerned is that if it’s happening in small-town America, it can happen anywhere in the country, even where you live. To protect yourself from this scam don’t accept Facebook messages from people you don’t know personally. Sometimes people will try to pose as someone already on your friends list but under a different profile. Always check to make sure your friends are who they say they are. If you’ve been threatened by one of these scammers, it is never advised to pay them as blackmailers will usually keep requesting money after they receive the first payment. With Facebook recently announcing the testing of their new dating app, I can see this particular scam proliferating in the near future.