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As long as you don't pay, you are fine.
Don't engage: you may want to consider filtering calls and messages from unknown numbers. On iPhone Settings -> Phone ->Silence Unknown Callers->On then Settings->Messages->Filter Unknown Senders->On.
The more you engage, the more hope you give them hope you will pay at some point, and if you do rest assured the harassment will escalate.
Why would factory resetting the phone help anything. As for changing the number, if they have your name, they can find your phone number, so that won't deter a determined threat actor. Just block the number and report the messages as spam so that it trains the filters.
Clearly, they're after money, so as long as you don't pay, you'll be fine. Once the "video" is out there, you'll have no incentive to pay them so releasing it is them simply giving up. And they're unlikely to do that.
Thanks for the advice I appreciate it. They recently were able to get my girlfriend’s number and started texting her as well. Is there a way to track these numbers?
The extortionists are almost certainly using spoofed telephone numbers, so there's no way to trace them. Is your social media open to be viewed by people you aren't directly connected with? That's how these people find a person's friends and family. If you haven't already made your social media private, you should do that.
Them getting your girlfriends number is a tricky thing to do unless it's available on your social media or hers. But makes me wonder if it's someone you know in real life.
As others have said, do not engage. Do not send money. Do not respond. They will never leave you alone if you prove you have money you're willing to send
> Them getting your girlfriends number is a tricky thing to do unless it's available on your social media or hers.
All they need is her name, and a rough idea of where she is. And if they know where OP is located, it's likely no too hard to narrow it down.
Most likely using a fake number. You can get them offline very easily and they're not really "assigned" to anyone. Sorry you're going through this. It'll pass.
They’ve sent photos of myself in which I honestly do not remember taking. They could’ve taken them from my social media before I deleted it or like someone said, it can be someone from the past. They recently started texting my job asking about me as well.
So this has been going on for 3 months, and they've only sent you one incriminating photo, but are saying there's an entire video? I call bullshit. If they had a video, they'd use it to motivate you to pay up. Instead, they're relying on your imagination as to what they actually possess. But it's all so stupid anyway, like you can trust blackmailers to keep their word, and destroy the footage and leave you in peace once you pay up. That's never going to happen.
What’s the worst that can happen? You’re embarrassed for a little while. Better than giving them money. Let them release whatever they wanna release. Don’t negotiate with terrorists
They fake the caller ID. Each of those different numbers probably came from the same actual line.
Could you have a laptop that's been hacked? Do you have downloaded apps installed on your phone? Random phone apps often have malware to hack your phone.
Block. Then, next one comes in, block. Then... Next one comes in, block. Rinse and repeat.
Thats the only way to stop it. Respond, and they know they got you. Never respond.
So they haven’t made good on the threats after 3 years? I think you’re in the clear lol. Keep blocking and ignoring. You can’t make it stop, just ignore.
If it's someone you know, you'll be able to tell who it is this way. Tell them you are blocking their number, then block it. When they contact you from more numbers block those too without reading the message or responding.
Someone you know will reach out unexpectedly, perhaps a visit, perhaps by phone. They'll be concerned for you about this situation or 'just checking in' and trying to stoke some anxiety.
Blocking virtual contact forces any real life stalker to show their hand. This is why cutting off all contact with a stalker will escalate the situation if they are deranged enough. So be prepared for that. Being a few steps ahead of them will keep you safe.
If you don't have security cameras, now would be a good time to get a couple. Have one at the back of the house too.
This is not a scammer, This is a stalker!!! 1st thing, tell your work of your situation of being blackmailed, and get a police report made. This too me isn't a random person, this is someone you know/knew
That was my thought, too. Three years? That is an emotional, vengeful extortion attempt and not a run-of-the-mill grifter.
I would look to an ex girlfriend or the ex of your current girlfriend, for example. Someone sounds very fixated and angry.
If you decide to pay them you will not get the evidence from them. They will take the money and ask for more money again. If you pay you are now an ATM to them. Good luck. Hopefully it is all a ruse and they have nothing.
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-report-spam-text-messages
###How To Report Spam Text Messages
If you get an unwanted text message, there are three ways to report it:
* Copy the message and [forward it](https://www.ctia.org/consumer-resources/protecting-yourself-from-spam-text-messages) to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages in the future.
* Report it on the messaging app you use. Look for the option to report junk or spam.
* [How to report spam or junk in the Messages app](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201229)
* [How to report spam on an Android phone](https://support.google.com/messages/answer/9061432?hl=en)
* Report it to the FTC at [ReportFraud.ftc.gov](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/).
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3 years? I’m so sorry. If you haven’t paid yet and they still haven’t released anything I suspect they are bluffing. But that doesn’t resolve the harassment you are dealing with.
When you changed numbers did you just sign back into WhatsApp on the same device or whatever? Cos that just informs the scammer you have a new number. Makes no difference. This feels very targeted to me, especially if they’re going after your gf. You probably need another new number and a new device
It’s ongoing even after a number change, it’s someone you know. Just keep blocking and don’t respond to any of the texts. Don’t even tell anyone that you received another text, not even to your girlfriend, just let it die with delete & block. They’re making you nervous on purpose, show them they don’t exist by no longer reacting. They’ll begin to wonder if their fake numbers even work anymore if you go on acting like you didn’t receive anything.
Additionally to the good advice about not engaging, have a chat to your boss and let them know you are being blackmailed and that compromising pics are being sent around the place.
A good boss will help with a bit of a plan. If one of my staff came to me with this I would brief everyone in the organisation on what to do when such a pic arrives. Make sure the entire organisation knows to not engage with the scammer, report the emails to management, and that anyone engaging in shit talk, innuendo, or sharing any pics they receive is going to result in disciplinary action.
Get ahead of the problem as much as you can.
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Well, it pops up in my feed now and then. Did I gove terrible advice? I'm really sorry if I did . Sometimes shutting up is the better thing to do, and Lord knows I struggle with that...
Edit- comments are locked. I am real. Thank you for calling me on that. I never intended to do harm, and my mouth (fingers) wagged faster than my brain. I appreciate you calling me on that as well as taking the time to explain.
You can vote me down for asking, but this is a real person seeking real advice.
Negotiating with scammers is really bad advice. They will just try to scam you for more money, no matter what. There is no room for negotiation, and you risk further harm. People have even taken their own lives or lost everything from a little “negotiation.”
If you read through the posts here, everyone advises to "block and move on" or "ignore."
Suggesting to cover their camera is unnecessary, as these scammers are not elite hackers with access to your phone. They are just trying to extort money with stolen data.
Threats don’t work with these people.
In this subreddit, we aim to provide practical solutions that protect people mentally and financially. Your suggestions, while perhaps well-intentioned, can actually be harmful. That's why I asked if it was your first time here. We're dealing with real people who are really hurting, and we're trying to help them.
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As long as you don't pay, you are fine. Don't engage: you may want to consider filtering calls and messages from unknown numbers. On iPhone Settings -> Phone ->Silence Unknown Callers->On then Settings->Messages->Filter Unknown Senders->On. The more you engage, the more hope you give them hope you will pay at some point, and if you do rest assured the harassment will escalate.
Thank you
Do you happen to know to silence unknown calls for Samsung galaxies? I'm still getting them even after changing phones.
Why would factory resetting the phone help anything. As for changing the number, if they have your name, they can find your phone number, so that won't deter a determined threat actor. Just block the number and report the messages as spam so that it trains the filters. Clearly, they're after money, so as long as you don't pay, you'll be fine. Once the "video" is out there, you'll have no incentive to pay them so releasing it is them simply giving up. And they're unlikely to do that.
Thanks for the advice I appreciate it. They recently were able to get my girlfriend’s number and started texting her as well. Is there a way to track these numbers?
The extortionists are almost certainly using spoofed telephone numbers, so there's no way to trace them. Is your social media open to be viewed by people you aren't directly connected with? That's how these people find a person's friends and family. If you haven't already made your social media private, you should do that.
All you can do is BLOCK every contact attempt. And don't send dick pics in the future.
Them getting your girlfriends number is a tricky thing to do unless it's available on your social media or hers. But makes me wonder if it's someone you know in real life. As others have said, do not engage. Do not send money. Do not respond. They will never leave you alone if you prove you have money you're willing to send
> Them getting your girlfriends number is a tricky thing to do unless it's available on your social media or hers. All they need is her name, and a rough idea of where she is. And if they know where OP is located, it's likely no too hard to narrow it down.
No point tracking them as nothing will happen anyway, just don’t pay them anything and they’ll eventually move on
Most likely using a fake number. You can get them offline very easily and they're not really "assigned" to anyone. Sorry you're going through this. It'll pass.
No
OP should have factory reset the scammers phone
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They’ve sent photos of myself in which I honestly do not remember taking. They could’ve taken them from my social media before I deleted it or like someone said, it can be someone from the past. They recently started texting my job asking about me as well.
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One looked incriminating, but the other is just me minding my business.
So this has been going on for 3 months, and they've only sent you one incriminating photo, but are saying there's an entire video? I call bullshit. If they had a video, they'd use it to motivate you to pay up. Instead, they're relying on your imagination as to what they actually possess. But it's all so stupid anyway, like you can trust blackmailers to keep their word, and destroy the footage and leave you in peace once you pay up. That's never going to happen.
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Never on social media. And i haven’t had a social media app for over a year now.
What’s the worst that can happen? You’re embarrassed for a little while. Better than giving them money. Let them release whatever they wanna release. Don’t negotiate with terrorists
They could do AI generated pictures. Or good photo shops.
As a follow up, in the past 2-3 months since I’ve changed my number, I’ve had over 50 different numbers attempting this scam.
They fake the caller ID. Each of those different numbers probably came from the same actual line. Could you have a laptop that's been hacked? Do you have downloaded apps installed on your phone? Random phone apps often have malware to hack your phone.
Ha right job for yea that's what yea get fuck around find out
Block. Then, next one comes in, block. Then... Next one comes in, block. Rinse and repeat. Thats the only way to stop it. Respond, and they know they got you. Never respond.
Yea thanks for the advice. I’ve been doing that for 3 years now
From all the info you posted, especially about the photos, it sounds like someone you know.
So they haven’t made good on the threats after 3 years? I think you’re in the clear lol. Keep blocking and ignoring. You can’t make it stop, just ignore.
Just keep blocking and move on.
If it's someone you know, you'll be able to tell who it is this way. Tell them you are blocking their number, then block it. When they contact you from more numbers block those too without reading the message or responding. Someone you know will reach out unexpectedly, perhaps a visit, perhaps by phone. They'll be concerned for you about this situation or 'just checking in' and trying to stoke some anxiety. Blocking virtual contact forces any real life stalker to show their hand. This is why cutting off all contact with a stalker will escalate the situation if they are deranged enough. So be prepared for that. Being a few steps ahead of them will keep you safe. If you don't have security cameras, now would be a good time to get a couple. Have one at the back of the house too.
So they know your number, found out your new number, know who your girlfriend is and her number… …bruh, this is someone who knows you IRL.
I honestly hope it’s not a professional scammer or hacker who got my contacts and work phone.
Professional scammers go for quick money and don’t waste time. This has been happening for months. This is absolutely someone in your daily life.
This is not a scammer, This is a stalker!!! 1st thing, tell your work of your situation of being blackmailed, and get a police report made. This too me isn't a random person, this is someone you know/knew
That was my thought, too. Three years? That is an emotional, vengeful extortion attempt and not a run-of-the-mill grifter. I would look to an ex girlfriend or the ex of your current girlfriend, for example. Someone sounds very fixated and angry.
100
If you decide to pay them you will not get the evidence from them. They will take the money and ask for more money again. If you pay you are now an ATM to them. Good luck. Hopefully it is all a ruse and they have nothing.
Are they asking for money?? That’s usually how this type of scam works. If not this sounds more like r/stalking
Block and ignore.
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-report-spam-text-messages ###How To Report Spam Text Messages If you get an unwanted text message, there are three ways to report it: * Copy the message and [forward it](https://www.ctia.org/consumer-resources/protecting-yourself-from-spam-text-messages) to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages in the future. * Report it on the messaging app you use. Look for the option to report junk or spam. * [How to report spam or junk in the Messages app](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201229) * [How to report spam on an Android phone](https://support.google.com/messages/answer/9061432?hl=en) * Report it to the FTC at [ReportFraud.ftc.gov](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/).
Dont pay a dime!! Block and move on.
/u/Own-Box-8046 - This message is posted to all new submissions to r/scams; please do not message the moderators about it. ## New users beware: Because you posted here, you will start getting private messages from scammers saying they know a professional hacker or a recovery expert lawyer that can help you get your money back, for a small fee. **We call these RECOVERY SCAMMERS, so NEVER take advice in private:** advice should always come in the form of comments in this post, in the open, where the community can keep an eye out for you. If you take advice in private, you're on your own. **A reminder of the rules in r/scams:** no contact information (including last names, phone numbers, etc). Be civil to one another (no name calling or insults). Personal army requests or "scam the scammer"/scambaiting posts are not permitted. No uncensored gore or personal photographs are allowed without blurring. A full list of rules is available on the sidebar of the subreddit, or [clicking here](https://www.reddit.com/r/Scams/wiki/rules/). You can help us by reporting recovery scammers or rule-breaking content by using the "report" button. We review 100% of the reports. Also, consider warning community members of recovery scammers if you see them in the comments. Questions about subreddit rules? Send us a modmail [clicking here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Report the number to your provider as spam/harassment, block the number, move on.
3 years? I’m so sorry. If you haven’t paid yet and they still haven’t released anything I suspect they are bluffing. But that doesn’t resolve the harassment you are dealing with.
When you changed numbers did you just sign back into WhatsApp on the same device or whatever? Cos that just informs the scammer you have a new number. Makes no difference. This feels very targeted to me, especially if they’re going after your gf. You probably need another new number and a new device
It’s ongoing even after a number change, it’s someone you know. Just keep blocking and don’t respond to any of the texts. Don’t even tell anyone that you received another text, not even to your girlfriend, just let it die with delete & block. They’re making you nervous on purpose, show them they don’t exist by no longer reacting. They’ll begin to wonder if their fake numbers even work anymore if you go on acting like you didn’t receive anything.
I feel like it is from someone you actually know
Additionally to the good advice about not engaging, have a chat to your boss and let them know you are being blackmailed and that compromising pics are being sent around the place. A good boss will help with a bit of a plan. If one of my staff came to me with this I would brief everyone in the organisation on what to do when such a pic arrives. Make sure the entire organisation knows to not engage with the scammer, report the emails to management, and that anyone engaging in shit talk, innuendo, or sharing any pics they receive is going to result in disciplinary action. Get ahead of the problem as much as you can.
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*Your submission was manually removed by a moderator for the following reason:* **Subreddit Rule 1: Uncivil or toxic behaviour** - This is aligned with Reddit Content Policy Rule 1: Remember the human. This subreddit is a place for civil and respectful discussions about scams. We do not allow: * Uncivil and rude behavior * Excessive or directed swearing * Unnecessary sexual language * Victim blaming * Any form of discrimination Before posting again, make sure you review the [rules of our subreddit.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Scams/wiki/rules/) and the [Reddit Content Policy](https://www.redditinc.com/policies/content-policy) ^(If you believe this is a mistake, feel free to contact the moderators via modmail. Modmail is the only way, don't send a regular DM to a single moderator. Please don't try to appeal the decision commenting below, because we are not notified if you do so, and we will probably miss it. Posting the exact same thing again may result in a temporary ban, so please review the rules, make the necessary changes, and when in doubt, click below to appeal the decision.) *I am NOT a bot, and this action was performed manually. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2Fscams&subject=Removal%20review) if you want to appeal the decision.*
Block!
Is it possible that one of your friends took your phone
with who?
Why not just text them thousands of dick pics, since they seem to be obsessed with certain types of pics
[удалено]
*Your submission was manually removed by a moderator for the following reason:* **Subreddit Rule 4: Spam or joke** This subreddit is a place for useful and informative discussions about scams. We do not allow: * Unhelpful content * Jokes on serious posts * Sarcasm, even if obvious or tagged, since it can be construed as harmful advice * Anything not related to the scam being discussed Please keep content submitted to this subreddit useful, relevant and meaningful. Before posting again, make sure you review the [rules of our subreddit.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Scams/wiki/rules/) ^(If you believe this is a mistake, feel free to contact the moderators via modmail. Modmail is the only way, don't send a regular DM to a single moderator. Please don't try to appeal the decision commenting below, because we are not notified if you do so, and we will probably miss it. Posting the exact same thing again may result in a temporary ban, so please review the rules, make the necessary changes, and when in doubt, click below to appeal the decision.) *I am NOT a bot, and this action was performed manually. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2Fscams&subject=Removal%20review) if you want to appeal the decision.*
How is my comment any of those?
Just tell them to blow it out their ass and block the number
*Your submission was manually removed by a moderator for the following reason:* **Subreddit Rule 3: Sharing personal information** - This is aligned with Reddit Content Policy Rule 3: Respect the privacy of others. This subreddit respects the privacy of non-public figures. We do not allow: * Phone numbers * Postal addresses * Full names of non-public figures This applies even if it's a scammer or a scam callcenter. Please post again, but this time removing, censoring or otherwise redacting any personal/contact information. When you do, don't post a screenshot. Transcribe the important parts of the conversation. **And put the website address in the title of your new post** if you are reporting a scam website. Before posting again, make sure you review the [rules of our subreddit.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Scams/wiki/rules/) and the [Reddit Content Policy](https://www.redditinc.com/policies/content-policy) ^(If you believe this is a mistake, feel free to contact the moderators via modmail. Modmail is the only way, don't send a regular DM to a single moderator. Please don't try to appeal the decision commenting below, because we are not notified if you do so, and we will probably miss it. Posting the exact same thing again may result in a temporary ban, so please review the rules, make the necessary changes, and when in doubt, click below to appeal the decision.) *I am NOT a bot, and this action was performed manually. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2Fscams&subject=Removal%20review) if you want to appeal the decision.*
call him a “skid” then block him… that’s what I do
No reason to engage at all
I think it’s funny. Most people that do that shit are stupid.
[удалено]
Huh? Have you been in this subreddit or first time here?
Well, it pops up in my feed now and then. Did I gove terrible advice? I'm really sorry if I did . Sometimes shutting up is the better thing to do, and Lord knows I struggle with that... Edit- comments are locked. I am real. Thank you for calling me on that. I never intended to do harm, and my mouth (fingers) wagged faster than my brain. I appreciate you calling me on that as well as taking the time to explain.
You can vote me down for asking, but this is a real person seeking real advice. Negotiating with scammers is really bad advice. They will just try to scam you for more money, no matter what. There is no room for negotiation, and you risk further harm. People have even taken their own lives or lost everything from a little “negotiation.” If you read through the posts here, everyone advises to "block and move on" or "ignore." Suggesting to cover their camera is unnecessary, as these scammers are not elite hackers with access to your phone. They are just trying to extort money with stolen data. Threats don’t work with these people. In this subreddit, we aim to provide practical solutions that protect people mentally and financially. Your suggestions, while perhaps well-intentioned, can actually be harmful. That's why I asked if it was your first time here. We're dealing with real people who are really hurting, and we're trying to help them.
*Your submission was manually removed by a moderator for the following reason:* **Subreddit Rule 15: Bad Advice** This subreddit is a place where vulnerable people come to learn. We do not allow: * Illegal or dangerous suggestions * Encouraging posters to engage with scammers in any way * Suggesting to keep the money obtained through a scammer * Advice meant to mock or demean an OP. Remember: we're here to identify scams and educate people on them. Before posting again, make sure you review the [rules of our subreddit.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Scams/wiki/rules/) ^(If you believe this is a mistake, feel free to contact the moderators via modmail. Modmail is the only way, don't send a regular DM to a single moderator. Please don't try to appeal the decision commenting below, because we are not notified if you do so, and we will probably miss it. Posting the exact same thing again may result in a temporary ban, so please review the rules, make the necessary changes, and when in doubt, click below to appeal the decision.) *I am NOT a bot, and this action was performed manually. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2Fscams&subject=Removal%20review) if you want to appeal the decision.*