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Extortion-based Scam
Hitman scams involve a scammer threatening your life unless you give in to their demands and pay thousands of dollars to be spared. Extortion-based scams are any scam where you are threatened with bad things happening to you if you don’t do what the scammer wants. Usually what they want is to get your money or information. Often these scams are very effective, as studies show that people are more likely to respond to threats than rewards.
Click the play button below to watch a video example:
The first step is to identify the fraud. In the video above, were you able to hear the clues in the story and detect the Extortion-based Scam? The next step is to prevent the scammer from victimizing you or others. If you encounter a similar situation, use these tools to protect yourself from this type of fraud.
SPOT THE SCAM
Extortion-based Scam Clues-
The threat is poorly worded and / or contains grammatical errors
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E-mails often include a password that you have used in the past – this is included to make it appear more credible
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You’re pressured to act now
Tips to spot a Extortion-based Scam
STOP THE SCAM
Extortion-based Scam Defence-
Routinely (every 6-8 months) change your online passwords
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Limit who can see your profiles on social media
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Research the threat – it’s probably not just you who’s being targeted
Tips to stop a Extortion-based Scam
