Can You Report Internet Scams To Police

How Does Kansas Define Blackmail

Instead of being grouped under theft offenses in Kansas, blackmail is considered a crime against the person. Unlike California and New York, Kansas specifically prescribes for the offense of blackmail, noting:

Blackmail is intentionally gaining or attempting to gain anything of value or compelling or attempting to compel another to act against such persons will

Kansas then further breaks down the offense of blackmail, distinguishing between threats to communicate false accusations about a person versus threats to disseminate videotapes, photographs, film, and other images of a person . For example, a level 7 felony can result in a prison sentence ranging from 11 to 13 months , and a fine not exceeding $100,000, while a level 4 person felony will generally result in 36+ months in prison.

Curious about state sextortion laws and protections in the U.S.? Check out our past article titled, How to Deal With Sextortion on the Internet.

Report Scammers Prevent Fraud

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When it comes to fraud in Canada, there are experts on both sides of the law those who fight it and those who constantly adapt to protect their criminal enterprise.

“Fraudsters are like professional sales people. They’ll work with you until they close the deal to get your money,” says RCMP Sgt. Guy Paul Larocque, acting officer in charge of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre in North Bay, Ont.

In 2019, more than $98 million was lost in Canada to mass-marketing fraud.

The centre employs 27 people who collect complaints and details from Canadians and businesses, both big and small, to stop fraudsters.

Most Common Internet Blackmail Scams Schemes & Threats

With global cybercrime estimated to be a $6 trillion dollar industry by 2021, its no surprise that Internet blackmail, cyber extortion, and other cyber-crimes account for more than 50% of all crimes committed in certain countries. And, Internet blackmail and other cyber-crimes dont just target individuals either, an estimated 78% of organizations polled in a 2019 Imperva Cyberthreat Defense Report were affected by a successful cyber-attack in 2018.

On top of that, the United States is considered one of the epicenters of cybercrime and malware attacks. Specifically, North America consistently ranks at the top of the list for the highest indirect costs associated with compromised records, all while accounting for 57% of all cybercrime attacks.

In this section, were going to walk you through the most common Internet blackmail scams, schemes, and threats out there, how to identify them, and more!

Keep in mind that internet blackmail scams can take many different forms, and isnt always obvious at first, so make sure to approach all online strangers, bulletin boards, and user-generated content websites and applications with caution.

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Hoaxes And Urban Legends

Urban legends multiply and grow with each telling creating distorted, exaggeratedand sensationalized stories. Email accounts can become plagued with spam mail falselywarning about frauds, child abductions and money requests.

Hoaxes are created with the purpose of deceiving people. Hoaxes are perpetratedas practical jokes, to cause embarrassment, or to provoke social change.

Ignoring hoaxes and urban legends can sometimes be difficult. Often stories canseem very real and emotional. To check the validity of a story visit these sites:

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How Does It Happen

• steal your card and make purchases by forging your signature
• use your credit card details to pay for goods or services over the phone or internet
• trick you into revealing your access codes for your account and then making internet purchases
• capture your credit card details with hidden devices during an ATM or EFTPOS transaction or your PIN may be seen by someone in the queue
• skim your credit cards at retail outlets or restaurants, resulting in a clone card being made and used by a fraudster

What To Do If You Think Youve Been Scammed

If you think you have been scammed, its important to act quickly to protect your finances, credit rating and identity. You can report the incident to a number of companies such as your bank and credit bureaus. Here is a list of steps you should take immediately:

Once you have secured your finances, online accounts, credit rating, and computer, it is important to notify the authorities, including the police.

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How To File A Fraud Report With Police

• How to Freeze a Social Security Number

Reporting fraud, from embezzlement to identity theft, is important for two reasons: it can help you as a victim recover personal losses, and it can prevent other people from falling victim to the same scheme. Sometimes, whether because of the high volume of fraud reports or because your local police force is ill-equipped to deal with such cases, filing a fraud report with local authorities can be difficult. Still, you should always report a crime, including fraud, to the local police, as a police report will help protect you in the future. If you’re the victim of a fraud, close your affected bank accounts and credit cards, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission , place an alert on your credit report and begin the process of filing a police report with your local law enforcement agency.

First Report To The Ftc

The first step after you lock down your accounts and credit is to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission online at ftc.gov. Fill out the FTC ID Theft Complaint form, which will grant you some protection against fraudulent information on your accounts and credit report. The FTC will provide you with guidance as to how you can stem the negative effects of the fraud and what steps you should take next. The FTC recommends filing a police report.

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What Evidence You Should Collect If Youve Been Scammed

It often takes many reports to build a strong case against scammers. A suggested list of helpful evidence to keep is provided below.

Depending on the extent and scale of the scam, you may have various pieces of evidence to provide to the authorities. Collect everything that is connected to the scam and keep it in a safe place. You may be required to provide this evidence when asked. If youre unsure about an item, you should keep it, even if it is not on this list.

• Digital copies of mails ,
• Screenshots of transactions, suspicious activity or other relevant information,
• Cancelled checks,
• Certified or other mail receipts,
• Money order receipts,
• Wire receipts ,
• Virtual currency/cryptocurrency ledgers,
• Pre-paid card receipts including digital gift cards,
• Envelopes ,
• Pamphlets or brochures,
• Printed or preferably electronic copies of emails ,
• Physical gifts,
• Printed or preferably electronic copies of web pages,
• Hard drive images,
• PCAP files containing malicious network traffic,
• Network, host system, and/or security appliance logs,
• Copies or details of malware used,
• Chat transcripts and/or telephone logs.

Being scammed can be very upsetting but knowing what to do can help you regain control of the situation. Act quickly to protect yourself and then contact the authorities.

Be Cautious About Connecting To Public Wi

Be cautious about connecting to free Wi-Fi networks that do not require a password in public spaces, such as airports or cafés. It is easy to set up a fraudulent Wi-Fi network. The person controlling it may log all websites you visit, the contents of emails or messages you send, and information about your mobile phone or computer.

You should avoid logging into websites or services that require you to enter passwords or personal data when connected to a public Wi-Fi network. Be especially careful if your password discipline is low and you keep reusing the same password. This may give the criminal access to your information.

It is safer to use mobile data than public Wi-Fi networks we know nothing about.

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Install Or Update Your Antispyware Technology

Spyware is just what it sounds likesoftware that is surreptitiously installed on your computer to let others peer into your activities on the computer. Some spyware collects information about you without your consent or produces unwanted pop-up ads on your web browser. Some operating systems offer free spyware protection, and inexpensive software is readily available for download on the Internet or at your local computer store. Be wary of ads on the Internet offering downloadable antispywarein some cases these products may be fake and may actually contain spyware or other malicious code. Its like buying groceriesshop where you trust.

How To Report A Scammer To The Police

If youve ever been scammed, you may feel hopeless. Scam artists have many tactics up their sleeves, from selling counterfeit goods to stealing your information online. Sadly, the majority of people have found themselves on the receiving end of a scam, unsure about how to find justice. But fortunately, there are ways you can fight back, including reporting the incident to the police. In this guide, we will discuss reporting a scammer to the police, as well as how to find justice through the Federal Trade Commission and Internet Crime Complaint Center. If youve been scammed, read on to find the right solution for you.

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Understand The Types Of Internet Fraud

These are the most common examples of internet fraud:

• Phishing or spoofing involves the usage of fake emails, text messages, or copycat websites to commit identity theft. Or, it can be used to steal personal information including credit card and bank account numbers, debit card PINs, and account passwords.

• Data breaches occur when sensitive data is hacked into, leaked, or inadvertently posted from a secure location. This information may be used to steal identities or commit financial fraud.

• Malware is dangerous software that is designed to disable computers and computer systems.

• Internet auction fraud involves the misrepresentation of products from an internet auction site. Or, it can occur when merchandise isn’t delivered to a buyer by a seller online as promised.

• occurs when scammers fraudulently acquire credit or debit card numbers to obtain money or property.

Internet Blackmail Skype Scam

If youve ever video chatted or voice called a friend or family member, theres a good chance youve heard of Skype one of the most popular telecommunication applications available. Unsurprisingly, Internet blackmailers and sextortion scammers flock to where large numbers of users exist. Furthermore, the use of video calling on Skype exponentially opens the doors for online blackmailers, sextortioners, and harassers.

One of the most common Internet blackmail schemes involves a Skype friend or chat request from a complete stranger. Typically, the user sending the request is an attractive member of the opposite sex. After engaging in short chit-chat, the blackmailer is quick to jump into a video-call, which inevitably turns sexual and fast.

After engaging in sexual acts or conversation on video, the sextortioner or online blackmailer will then threaten to distribute recorded clips of the encounter to friends, family, or colleagues unless a ransom is paid.

At Minc Law, we strongly recommend conducting an extensive reverse image search of a strangers profile picture before engaging with them. Oftentimes, the perpetrator is using a stolen photograph of a model or other individual. We also recommend against sending explicit sexual images of oneself to a complete stranger or engaging in sexual acts on camera.

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Safety Tips For Online Messaging

• Check website addresses carefully as criminals often set up fake websites with very similar addresses to legitimate dating sites.

• Never send money or give credit card details to anyone you don’t know and trust.

• Limit the personal information you give out.

• Make sure you only use reputable dating sites.

• Beware of someone you’ve never met who wants you to wire money to a place outside of Canada.

Reporting A Scam By Yourself Isn’t Easy

You’ll need to gather evidence and find the right people to report the scam to. Even though the memory is probably painful, you’ll also need to think through what happened carefully. That’s because you’ll have to explain each step of the scam clearly not easy in the unfamiliar setting of a police station!

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What To Do Next

Keep copies of all reports you file, both with the police and with the FTC, as they may be needed again to combat new or reappearing fraudulent charges. You may want to provide copies to the credit reporting bureaus as part of your fraud alert file.

Tips

• If you’ve experienced fraud, your first step is to protect your finances by putting a fraud alert on your credit report and freezing or closing your bank accounts and credit cards. You can freeze your account by contacting your bank. To place a fraud alert on your credit report, contact one of the three credit reporting companies â Experian, TransUnion or Equifax. After you’ve secured your accounts and credit, report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission, then file a police report.

References

Search Oregons Consumer Complaint Database

Oregons Consumer Complaint Database » is built from consumer contacts since January 1, 2008 and is for information only. It may not offer a complete, accurate or comprehensive account of every incident. Several factors, including a companys size and volume of transactions, may affect the likelihood of a complaint being filed.

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Reporting Fraud And Cyber Crime

If you or someone else is in immediate danger or risk of harm dial 999 now.

You can report fraud or cybercrime to Action Fraud any time of the day or night using our online reporting tool. Reporting online is quick and easy. The tool will guide you through simple questions to identify what has happened and our advisors are available twenty four hours to give you help and advice if you need it.

When reporting online you will be given the option to register, login to an existing account or continue as a guest.

• Save and resume a partially completed report
• Track progress of your report
• Add information to your report
• Receive an update by email

If you continue as a guest you will only be able to receive updates by email or post.

You can also report to us by calling 0300 123 2040 Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm. If you are calling from abroad please call +44 300 123 2040.

Reporting fraud to other organisations

If your report relates to any of the below, please follow the links to report it to the correct organisation.

Creating A Stronger Password

With the advancement of password-cracking software, hackers are now able to crack your password within a matter of seconds. To protect your account privacy and information, creating unique and secure passwords that are not easy to guess is the first line of defense. Make your passwords secure by following these password guidelines:

• Make sure each password is different from others.
• Never share your passwords with anyone.
• Regularly change your passwords.

• Try not to use words that could be found in the dictionary.
• Try not to use alphabetic or number sequences 1234, abcd.
• Use a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
• Use short sentences or phrases as your password .

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Install Updates To Your Computer Make Backups

• Install the latest updates to your computer. Update your operating system, usually Windows, macOS, iOS or Android.
• Keep your anti-virus program up-to-date. There is a variety of good, free anti-virus programs available for download. Also ask if an anti-virus program is available from your employer.
• Keep backups of files you do not want to lose, such, as photos and important documents. Back them up to a cloud service or an external hard disk.

Internet Blackmail Bitcoin Scam

With Bitcoins recent bull market run, cryptocurrencies and blockchain-related services are becoming more mainstream. Inevitably, Bitcoin internet blackmail scams are on the rise. One common Internet blackmail scam which is on the rise is the Bitcoin email blackmail scam.

Simply put, the Internet blackmail Bitcoin scam involves a threatening email . The email generally alleges there has been a large-scale data breach, and that highly sensitive personal information or imagery was acquired by the sender. In exchange for keeping the highly private information, photographs, or videos under wraps, the sender demands a payment in Bitcoin.

This script is usually sent to thousands of people, preying on the naivety of senior citizens and other highly susceptible persons. Any demand that you pay in Bitcoin is a dead giveaway that you are dealing with a scam. Additionally, the language used is typically rife with spelling and grammar errors, as it is sent from overseas blackmailers and scammers.

If you are worried about whether your data and personal information has been compromised, we recommend checking out haveIbeenpwned.com and entering your email address. To read up further on how to avoid the Bitcoin blackmail scam, we also recommend checking out this FTC.gov article.

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