The short version: don't send nudes, don't use your real name...until you verify them in real life
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The scam:
While blackmail scams do vary, this is the setup for the recent report received, and it is one that has been reported in the past as well.
A female user makes a post, seemingly generic, looking for men. Once they have a reply, they delete their post. The scammer chats some, maybe sends some pictures (likely not of themselves), asks to see some of you. Usually nudes.
Once they get some, they either ask for your Facebook, or search for you on Facebook with information they convinced you to give them. The scammer will then "reveal" that they are actually underage, and say that if you don't give them money, they will tell your friends/family/employer/etc that you sent nudes to an underage person.
Never give in to a blackmailer's demands!
They will usually ask for money/gift cards. Don't give them anything! This is not an actual underage person, just a scam that relies on fear. Screenshot the "reveal" and the threats, then block the user. Do not try to negotiate, do not argue. Just end communication.
Unfortunately, shitty people are out there. There is never a good reason why a stranger should be asking for any sort of personal, identifying information. Be careful. There is nothing we can do to help you if you should fall into one of these traps.
---------------------------------
The scam:
While blackmail scams do vary, this is the setup for the recent report received, and it is one that has been reported in the past as well.
A female user makes a post, seemingly generic, looking for men. Once they have a reply, they delete their post. The scammer chats some, maybe sends some pictures (likely not of themselves), asks to see some of you. Usually nudes.
Once they get some, they either ask for your Facebook, or search for you on Facebook with information they convinced you to give them. The scammer will then "reveal" that they are actually underage, and say that if you don't give them money, they will tell your friends/family/employer/etc that you sent nudes to an underage person.
Never give in to a blackmailer's demands!
They will usually ask for money/gift cards. Don't give them anything! This is not an actual underage person, just a scam that relies on fear. Screenshot the "reveal" and the threats, then block the user. Do not try to negotiate, do not argue. Just end communication.
Unfortunately, shitty people are out there. There is never a good reason why a stranger should be asking for any sort of personal, identifying information. Be careful. There is nothing we can do to help you if you should fall into one of these traps.
