When people used to hear the word cyber scams, they thought it was connected with hacked bank accounts, investment scams, or the theft of OTPs. However, with time, scammers have found innovative ways to loot people. One of these new tactics is cyber extortion scams.
In this scam, scammers use morphed images to manipulate and threaten victims, blackmailing them to obtain large sums of money.
A recent case from West Bengal highlighted the terrifying reality of the scam where a man lost ₹6.5 lakhs to online fraudsters.
Let’s get into the details to learn how this scam works and ways by which you can protect yourself from falling victim.
Case Study: How a West Bengal Man Fell Prey to a Cyber Extortion Scam
A shocking incident of Cyber Extortion Scam was reported in West Bengal by a 70-year-old man. It all started with one video call from an Unknown number.
The caller on the other side was a female. However, the call didn’t give a hint of any scam until he received another call from a man after a few days where the caller displayed morphed images of himself alongside a woman.
He was shocked and terrified. The caller then blackmailed asking him for money else he would circulate the image on social media.
The victim first disconnected the call, but the scammer made another attempt and this time impersonated himself as a police officer. The fake police officer stated that the woman in the image had committed suicide and now he has to bear hospital costs to avoid any legal consequences.
Threatened with all this, the man followed the instructions and transferred ₹6.5 lakh to the said bank account.
However, the story didn’t end here and scammers kept on asking for more amount. By the time he realized it was a scam, it was too late—the money was gone.
By the time he realized it was a scam, it was too late, the money was gone.
The Modus Operandi of Cyber Extortion Scams
This case is not an isolated incident. Cybercriminals use various tactics to extort money from individuals, including:
- Fake Legal Notices: Victims receive emails or calls claiming they are under investigation, forcing them into panic-driven decisions.
- Morphed Images and Videos: Scammers manipulate photos to make it appear as if victims are involved in illegal or unethical activities.
- Impersonation of Authorities: Fraudsters pretend to be police officers, lawyers, or government officials to gain credibility and instill fear.
- Blackmail and Threats: Victims are threatened with social humiliation, arrest, or legal action unless they pay up.
How to Protect Yourself from Cyber Extortion Scams
While cybercriminals are getting more sophisticated, staying vigilant can help protect you from falling into their traps.
Here are some key precautions:
- Verify Claims: If someone claims to be from law enforcement or a legal entity, independently verify their identity by calling official numbers.
- Stay Calm and Think Rationally: Scammers rely on fear and urgency to manipulate victims. Take a step back and analyze the situation logically.
- Avoid Picking Video Calls from Unknown Numbers: With the increasing case of SPAM calls, everyone needs to stay away from answering unknown calls, especially if it is a video call.
- Report Suspicious Activities: If you receive blackmail threats or suspect fraudulent activity, report it to cybercrime authorities immediately. In this case, take quick action by learning the right steps of how to report online scams in India.
- Use Strong Privacy Settings: Keep your social media accounts private and be cautious about sharing personal images online.
Conclusion
As cybercriminals continue to refine their techniques, awareness is the best defense.
Scams involving cyber extortion and morphed images are becoming more prevalent, targeting both individuals and businesses.
Staying informed, practicing caution, and reporting suspicious activities can help prevent others from becoming victims of such scams.
If you or someone you know has encountered such fraud, report it to the authorities or fill out the form below to get the call back in no time.
