Hue City Police warn of blackmail by "confiding" with strangers

Recently, a young man residing in Hue City was forced to go to the police station to report the incident, he was being spread sensitive images by bad guys with the purpose of threatening and blackmailing. It is worth mentioning that although he had transferred some money to the subjects, the subjects continued to threaten and force him to transfer more money. Too scared, this young man was forced to seek police intervention.

Before that, this man received a message from a Facebook account named “Thuy Linh” with the desire to make friends. At first, realizing that this was a strange account, this man did not reply to the message.

However, because the other person introduced himself as an acquaintance and asked questions, acting very friendly, the man responded. The man did not expect that, after just a few words, the other person would suggest a love affair. Thinking that social networks are virtual and there would be no loss, the man agreed to "try it out" and started to say "winged" words to the other person.

After gaining trust, the other party suggested that this man make a video call with nude photos to show. In a moment of lack of self-control, curiosity, and excitement, this man sent back a video with some sensitive photos of himself. After the conversation ended, this man thought that everything would be fine.

However, early the next morning, the other party sent screenshots and videos of the “confession” last night to the man along with a request to transfer 10 million VND. If he did not comply, the subject would spread these images and clips and send them to relatives.

Because he was afraid of affecting his honor and reputation, and that of his family, the man transferred 6 million VND to the other party. Not accepting the money, the other party continued to send threatening messages, demanding that the man transfer the money. Because he had no money to transfer and was being bothered too much, the man decided to report to the police.

An investigator from Hue City Police said that local police also handled a series of similar reports to the man above. The common feature is that the victim agrees to "confide", send sensitive images and clips to a person he meets through social networks, and is then blackmailed. The subjects use sweet "love" words, beautiful young images of themselves (in fact, virtual) to entice and attract men who "like strange things" on social networks.

Single men or those who “like to search and meet people of the opposite sex online” are very vulnerable to being scammed and having their property stolen by bad guys. Initially, the subjects use avatars of beautiful, innocent young girls, pretending to get to know them, chatting and creating feelings to make friends online, learning about each other’s lives… After a period of “psychological manipulation”, the subjects arrange their intentions to scam and steal property.

After obtaining “evidence” in the form of “chat, love” messages and sensitive images and clips, the subjects began to reveal their true nature as scammers, love cheats, and blackmailers. To get their “prey” to transfer money, the subjects used threats and pressure.

Faced with this reality, in addition to strengthening professional solutions to combat and handle subjects, Hue City Police recommends that, in order to avoid becoming a victim, every citizen, especially men, when using social networks, needs to equip themselves with knowledge, quickly identify the tricks of criminals as mentioned, and not put themselves in dangerous situations. Before every transaction on social networks, people need to pay special attention, be careful, and absolutely not be blind or reckless.

In any communication via social networks, if the other party mentions a physiological issue or requests to send sensitive images or clips, you must immediately raise your vigilance and absolutely do not comply. If you are unfortunately "trapped", people need to report to the police as soon as possible, in order to minimize damage as well as best support the investigation and verification of the case.

Article and photos: TAM ANH