Anyone else get a threatening text after a failed contact?

[wpgdood]

Hello,

I'm really not sure where else to turn to, but I've had a scary experience this weekend. I was looking for an SP and texted the number on a listing from LeoList. When I did not receive a response, I assumed that the lady must be busy or done her normal working hours so did not press further. I tried a different ad that listed a different number with the same area code and the SP was also listed as the same ethnicity but I thought nothing of this. The second number also did not respond to my inquiry. The next morning, I got a text message from the same area code (647) but a THIRD number saying that they were a "shareholder" in Escorts company and associated with MS-13. They demanded that I pay an unspecified fine and that they would target me and my family if I didn't.

I did not respond to the text received on Friday and I have not received any further messages. I have no idea how to handle this. I do find it unlikely that a real gang member would list a name and outright state their gang membership via text to someone they have never met. Is this just a scammer trying to get money out of me or something way more serious? I did a reverse lookup of the number and sent a message to the phone carrier saying I got a threatening message from the number. I have no idea if this person would know anything about me other than my cellphone number since I did not give even my name. If I take this to the police, can I be charged with a crime myself since I was attempting to contact an SP? Any information is helpful as I really don't know what to do in this situation.

 

[Newb808]

This is a phishing scam, don’t take the bait. They aren’t involved with the sex trade or street level crime. They’re telescammers and the fact that they can’t be bothered to look up the local gang names should tell you they’re nothing to worry about and are a thousand miles away, at least.

 

[Larry123]

Hello,

I'm really not sure where else to turn to, but I've had a scary experience this weekend. I was looking for an SP and texted the number on a listing from LeoList. When I did not receive a response, I assumed that the lady must be busy or done her normal working hours so did not press further. I tried a different ad that listed a different number with the same area code and the SP was also listed as the same ethnicity but I thought nothing of this. The second number also did not respond to my inquiry. The next morning, I got a text message from the same area code (647) but a THIRD number saying that they were a "shareholder" in Escorts company and associated with MS-13. They demanded that I pay an unspecified fine and that they would target me and my family if I didn't.

I did not respond to the text received on Friday and I have not received any further messages. I have no idea how to handle this. I do find it unlikely that a real gang member would list a name and outright state their gang membership via text to someone they have never met. Is this just a scammer trying to get money out of me or something way more serious? I did a reverse lookup of the number and sent a message to the phone carrier saying I got a threatening message from the number. I have no idea if this person would know anything about me other than my cellphone number since I did not give even my name. If I take this to the police, can I be charged with a crime myself since I was attempting to contact an SP? Any information is helpful as I really don't know what to do in this situation.

There has been other posts reporting the same sort of threats. Do a search. I seem to recall that the other poster can advise you on how to handle this with the police.
I don't think it's a real threat, but if you are worried, you can pm him.
Good luck!

 

[Forum mod]

This has been posted here several times, although it seems the OP is a total newbie.

This BS scam isn't local to Western Canada, it's been found all across North America. Tell them to fuck right off, block the number and get on with your day. Thread closed.