• Scammers coax victims into sharing compromising or explicit photos and videos, then threaten to release these materials unless paid.
• Common Tactics:
  • Quickly moving the conversation to more private or intimate discussions.
  • Record video calls without the victim’s knowledge and use them for extortion.

Blackmail and extortion scams involve the use of threats, manipulation, and coercion to force victims into giving money or performing specific actions. These scams are often emotionally distressing because they play on fear, shame, or the victim’s desire to avoid harm or embarrassment. Here’s how these scams typically work:

Blackmail Scams

In a blackmail scam, the scammer threatens to reveal compromising information about the victim unless they receive a payment or some other form of compensation. Blackmail uses personal, potentially embarrassing, or damaging information to force compliance.

How Blackmail Scams Work:

1. Obtaining Sensitive Information:
   • Hacking/Phishing: Scammers may gain access to personal information, such as photos, videos, messages, or browsing history, through hacking, phishing, or social engineering tactics.
   • Exploitation of Online Behavior: Scammers may monitor or track a person’s online activity, particularly on social media or dating websites, to find compromising information.
   • Faked Situations: Sometimes scammers fabricate compromising situations, such as faking explicit photos or videos and claiming they involve the victim.
2. The Threat: The scammer contacts the victim, claiming they have sensitive or compromising information (accurate or fabricated). They threaten to:
   • Share this information with the victim’s friends, family, employer, or the public.
   • Post the information on social media or other platforms.
   • Use the information to harm the victim’s personal or professional reputation.
3. Demand for Payment: In exchange for keeping the information private, the scammer demands money, usually through untraceable means such as cryptocurrency, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers. The blackmailer may also ask for other favors, such as additional personal information, intimate photos, or actions like quitting a job or ending a relationship.
4. No Guarantee of Silence: Even if the victim pays the blackmail, there’s no guarantee that the scammer will destroy the information or stop their threats. In many cases, the scammer may come back asking for more money, knowing the victim is now vulnerable to their threats.

Types of Blackmail Scams:

• Sextortion: The scammer threatens to release intimate or explicit images or videos of the victim unless paid. These images may have been obtained through hacking, consensual exchanges, or fabricated through photo-editing software.
• Reputation-Based Blackmail: Threats of spreading rumors, lies, or misinformation about the victim’s personal or professional life unless money is paid.

Extortion Scams

Extortion involves threats of physical harm, financial damage, or property destruction unless the victim complies with the scammer’s demands. Unlike blackmail, which focuses on compromising information, extortion involves threats of direct action, such as violence, legal action, or property damage.

How Extortion Scams Work:

1. The Threat: The scammer threatens the victim with harm or other damaging consequences unless they meet the scammer’s demands. Common threats include:
   • Physical violence: The scammer claims they will harm the victim or their loved ones.
   • Financial harm: The scammer could threaten to sabotage the victim’s job, business, or financial well-being (e.g., by falsifying reports, spreading rumors, or staging incidents).
2. The Demand: The scammer demands money, favors, or other compensation to avoid carrying out the threat. Extortionists often want payment through untraceable means, but they may also require different actions, such as helping them commit fraud or providing them with more sensitive information.
3. The Follow-Through: Like in blackmail scams, even if the victim complies, there’s no guarantee the scammer will keep their word. The scammer might continue making threats or demand additional money once the victim gives in.

Types of Extortion Scams:

• Ransomware Attacks: Cybercriminals use ransomware to lock up a victim’s computer system or data and demand payment to restore access.
• Fake Kidnapping Extortion: Scammers claim to have kidnapped a loved one and demand ransom, even though no one has been taken.

Common Tactics in Blackmail and Extortion Scams:

1. Creating a Sense of Urgency: Scammers often give the victim little time to respond, forcing them to act quickly out of fear.
2. Secrecy: Scammers pressure the victim not to tell anyone about the situation, claiming that doing so will immediately release the compromising information or the threat being carried out.
3. Emotional Manipulation: Scammers prey on victims’ fears and vulnerabilities, exploiting their concerns about reputation, privacy, or physical safety.

Preventing and Responding to Blackmail and Extortion Scams:

1. Don’t Pay: Paying a blackmailer or extortionist does not guarantee the problem will disappear. In many cases, it encourages further demands.
2. Seek Help from Authorities: Report the scam to law enforcement, even if it’s embarrassing. Many countries have specific units dealing with online crimes, including blackmail and extortion.
3. Keep Evidence: Save copies of all communications (emails, text messages, social media interactions), threats, and demands made by the scammer. This evidence may be helpful for authorities.
4. Strengthen Cybersecurity: Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and be cautious about sharing personal information online. This helps prevent cyber blackmail.
5. Ignore or Block the Scammer: In some cases, especially with low-level threats, blocking the scammer and ignoring their messages can discourage them from further contact.
6. Contact a Legal or Cybersecurity Professional: A professional can advise on handling blackmail or extortion situations safely and legally.

By understanding these tactics and remaining vigilant, you can avoid falling victim to blackmail or extortion scams.