In the digital age, video calls have become an integral part of our daily lives, allowing us to connect with loved ones across the globe. However, this convenient technology has also given rise to a concerning trend: video call blackmail and extortion scams. These scams, often targeting young adults and teenagers, can have devastating consequences if not addressed promptly.
The Anatomy of a Video Call Scam
Scammers create fake profiles using attractive pictures to lure victims. They initiate friendly or flirtatious conversations to gain the victim's trust. Once trust is established, scammers may take the conversation to the next level and initiate video calls. During these calls, they may trick victims into compromising situations that can later be used for blackmail. The scammers record these moments and threaten to expose the recordings to the victim's friends, family, or on social media unless they pay money or fulfill other demands.
Two Common Scenarios
In one scenario, scammers, both men and women, establish a comfortable rapport with the victim and trick them into stripping during the video call. The scammers record the entire call and then begin the blackmail phase.
In another scenario, the victim receives a video call from an unknown number. As soon as the call is answered, the scammer appears on the screen, stripping. This usually targets men, and if they fall for the trap and continue watching, the scammer records the entire interaction and starts blackmailing.
The Psychological Tactics
Scammers often create a sense of urgency or pressure to make victims act quickly without thinking. They may also use emotional manipulation, playing on the victim's fear, sympathy, or excitement to cloud their judgment and get them to comply with demands.
Protecting Yourself
To safeguard against video call blackmail and extortion scams, it is crucial to follow these best practices:
- Do not engage with strangers on social media whose identity is not verified.
- Avoid answering video calls from unknown contacts, even if they claim to know you.
- Exercise caution when using any app that allows video calling with people you don't know.
- Keep the privacy settings of social media profiles at the most restricted levels.
Recent Cases
In December last year, two men were arrested from Rajasthan in an alleged extortion of Rs 3.33 lakh from a Vadodara resident. The Vadodara man claimed that the accused began extorting money after "trapping" him in a nude WhatsApp call scam on November 28.
In 2022, two men were arrested in Delhi for allegedly making "sextortion calls" on WhatsApp to Union Minister Prahlad Singh Patel. During the video call, they played explicit content and tried to blackmail the minister.
Video call blackmail and extortion scams are a growing concern that can have severe emotional and financial consequences for victims. By being aware of the tactics used by scammers and following best practices for online safety, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to these schemes. If you or someone you know has been targeted by a video call scam, it is essential to report it to the authorities and seek support from trusted sources.
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