Extortion scams are common cyber threats where the scammers try to use threatening methods to push you to pay them money. These threats can be quite scary and might have a long-lasting emotional effect on the victims. For this reason, it is very important to learn how to identify such threats and how to proceed in case you encounter such threats.
These scams happen either by phone or by email whereby the the scammer threatens you with arrest, deportation, physical harm or potentially threatens you to expose sensitive personal data.
Examples of threats and extortion scams
- Impersonating a government official – A criminal might be impersonating a government official, threatening to arrest you if you do not pay a tax.
- Reputational damage – Scammers might claim to have remote access to your computer and to all your personal information. They would threat of releasing any personal information that could possibly harm your reputation.
- Violence threat – You are physically threatened to give money to the scammer.
Signs of threats or extortion scams
- Receiving a call, message, or email unexpectedly from someone claiming to be from a government department, agency, or company.
- A request for money to fix an issue for you.
- Requests for personal information, such as bank details.
- Claims from individuals stating that they are the police and will come to your door to arrest you if you do not pay them immediately.
- Requests to transfer a sum of money to ensure the safety of an account.
How to avoid becoming the victim of a scam?
- Avoid using the contact details which are provided by the caller. Verify the person’s authenticity by calling the organisation they say that they represent directly.
- Avoid responding to any emails or texts sent by scammers as they might try to intimidate you.
- Do not send any money, identity information or provide any credit card details.
What should you do if you are the target or a victim of a scam?
- DO NOT give in to pressure.
- ACT FAST and speak immediately and report to the authorities.
If you do not feel safe, inform the Cyber Crime Unit within the Malta Police Force. The Cyber Crime Unit can be contacted by telephone on 22942231 or by email on [email protected].
This Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre. Neither the European Union nor the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre can be held responsible for them.