One payment to a video call scam can lead to lifelong problems. Learn the essential steps to protect yourself and outsmart fraudsters.
Are you being scammed just by picking up a video call? Are unknown callers threatening you and demanding money? Unfortunately, this is a new way scammers are targeting people. But don’t worry—even if you’ve fallen victim to a video call scam, we have solutions for you.
In simple terms, don’t pay these scammers even a single cent. And as Imran Khan said, “Sabse Pehle Apne Ghabrana Nahi Hai” (don’t be scared). The people threatening you are not from the Police—they are actually the ones the Police are looking for.
The victim may feel guilty, and that is what the video call scammers benefit from. And if someone pays them once, fraudsters do not stop. They ask for the money again and again, no matter if you are selling your home to pay them.
What is the Video Call Scam?
It’s an era of social media. Today, there are so many social media platforms that no one can live without using them. If you open any app on your phone with your eyes closed, there is an 80% chance that that app is on social media.
Some scammers take advantage of social media’s huge popularity. They simply make video calls to victims. Initially, some women appear on the screen and try to convince the victim to have an intimate video chat. They also take off their clothes to influence the victim to do the same.
Most of the time, people take it easy and follow the instructions the woman asks for. They take off their clothes, show their private parts, and try to make a virtual relationship. The scammers record all the videos in a way that only the victim appears in the clips.
Now, they start the real game. They start blackmailing and demanding money. The fraudsters threaten the victim with making his videos viral if he does not pay.
Should you pay money to video call scammers?
No, never. Don’t pay even a cent to these fraudsters; doing so can make the situation even more serious. Once you pay them to delete the video, they will demand more money. This scam won’t stop until you’ve lost all your money and assets.
The video call scam is all about fear. They create a web of fear, and if you get caught in it, you might never escape. That’s why you shouldn’t be scared. You have to respond as if you’ve done nothing wrong. If they threaten to make the video viral, say, “Go ahead.”
Nowadays, it’s common to create morph photos or videos. You don’t need to explain anything. Even if they make it viral, don’t take it seriously. In this era of AI and deep fakes, it’s easy to create fake videos, and people will understand that.
How do scammers threaten and extort money?
Let’s look at a case study.
Someone I know received a similar video call from an unknown number. A woman was on the other end of the call. She spoke to X (supposed name) politely and shared her sexual desires. The lady expressed that she wanted to have sex and suddenly started removing her clothes.
After a few minutes, she asked Mr. X to remove his clothes as well. When the man did, the lady hid her face, and after some time, the call was disconnected.
After some time, my friend received an audio call on WhatsApp and a video clip as well. She said, “Transfer eleven thousand to my account. If you don’t, I will make the video viral.” Mr. X got scared, but he did not have that much money.
After some negotiations, Mr. X paid the woman five thousand and blocked her number. But after a few hours, he received another call. This time, a man was speaking, claiming himself to be a police sub-inspector. He threatened X that he had received a complaint against him.
The so-called inspector also demanded eleven thousand to close the case. He was about to pay this amount as well. Fortunately, X considered it necessary to contact me before giving the money.
I just suggested that he not pay any amount and share the contact details with me. After getting the details, I contacted that so-called inspector, and he refused to show his face in a video call. When I threatened him to take legal action, he just cut the call and never contacted X or me until now.
Always contact the Police.
However, my idea to threaten the scammers works. I always recommend contacting the Police in these situations. Your act may be wrong on social and moral grounds, but what these video call scammers are doing is completely illegal.
Don’t think yourself so wrong; extortion and blackmailing are bigger crimes. You may also make an online police complaint.
Also read: Natural Remedies for a Good Night’s Sleep
