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Threats and extortion scams
Scammers threaten you so you will pay them money.
Speak up and report before handing over money to someone who threatens you.
Scammers pretend to be from an organisation and claim you need to pay money. They may threaten you with arrest, deportation, or even physical harm, if you don’t agree to pay them immediately.
They can also blackmail you by threatening to share naked pictures or videos you have sent them unless you send them money.
Don’t be pressured by a threat. Stop and check whether it’s true.
Speak up and report before handing over money to someone who threatens you.
Scammers pretend to be from an organisation and claim you need to pay money. They may threaten you with arrest, deportation, or even physical harm, if you don’t agree to pay them immediately.
They can also blackmail you by threatening to share naked pictures or videos you have sent them unless you send them money.
Don’t be pressured by a threat. Stop and check whether it’s true.
More Details
Steps you can take to protect yourself
- Don’t be pressured by a threatening caller asking for money. Hang up and don’t respond.
- Don’t pay anyone by unusual methods such as by gift or store cards, iTunes vouchers, wire transfers or Bitcoins.
- Don’t use any contact details provided by the caller. Verify their identity by calling the relevant organisation directly. Find them through an independent source such as a phone book, past bill or online search.
- Do not respond to texts or emails. If you do, the scammers will escalate their intimidation and attempts to get your money.
More safeguards
- Never send money or give credit card details, online account details or identity information like your driver licence or passport to anyone you don’t know or trust. Never share them by email or over the phone.
- If you are concerned for your safety, contact the police.
- If the scam is sent by email, don’t open any attachments, click on links, or download files. They can infect your computer with malware.
