Fraudulent exploitation can happen to anyone, 而且 is something most are familiar with. The most common form of this is the predatory spam phone calls or emails people receive on a regular basis. Fraudulent exploitation is sometimes easy to identify, but other times can be more deceptive 而且 much more serious.
The Salisbury 大学警察 Department (SUPD) has noticed an increase in reports related to 性勒索 (the practice of extorting money or 性支持 from someone by threatening to disclose their sexual activity to others) 而且 冒充政府的骗局. SUPD urges the use of caution when interacting with others online, 而且 when receiving unsolicited phone calls or text messages.
Protecting yourself from 性勒索:
As defined by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 性勒索 is a serious crime that occurs when someone threatens to distribute your private 而且 sensitive material if you don't provide them images of a sexual nature, 性支持, 或金钱.
Sextortion is a form of fraudulent exploitation that begins with either a male or female beginning a flirtatious conversation over a social media platform in the attempt to gain trust 而且 access the victim’s social media or contact information. When private 照片 or video are shared with the scammer, they will immediately threaten to distribute private 而且 sensitive material with the victim’s contacts if monetary dem而且s are not met.
- NEVER send compromising images of yourself to anyone, no matter who they are or who they say they are.
- Do not open attachments from people you do not know. Links can secretly hack your electronic devices using malware to gain access to your private data, 照片, 和联系人, or control your web camera 而且 microphone without your knowledge.
- Turn off your electronic devices 而且 web cameras when not in use.
If you are receiving 性勒索 threats, stop all interaction with the extortionist 而且 do not be embarrassed or afraid to contact law enforcement. 你可以向 FBI/Internet Crime Complaint Center
Protecting yourself from 冒充政府的骗局:
Be aware of “冒充政府的骗局,骗子就会打电话来, falsely claiming to be a law enforcement officer 而且 indicate the victim failed to pay a fine 而且 will be arrested. Government agents will not call, email, or text you 而且 ask f或金钱 or personal information.
The Federal Trade Commission offers the following tips on avoiding 冒充政府的骗局:
- 不要汇款, 送现金, or use gift cards or cryptocurrency to pay someone who says they represent a government agency. Impersonators ask f或金钱 in these forms because they are difficult to track 而且 even more difficult to retrieve stolen money from.
- Do not give financial or personal information to someone who calls, 文本, or emails claiming affiliation with the government. If you think a call or message could be real, call that government agency directly at a number you know is correct.
- Do not always trust your caller ID, which may show the government agency’s real phone number or even display the name of the agency. 来电显示可以伪造.
- Do not click on links in unexpected emails or text messages. Scammers send emails 而且 text messages that look like they’re from a legitimate source but are designed to steal money 而且 personal information. 简单地删除消息.
Additional information on 冒充政府的骗局 is available on the FTC's "How To Avoid a Government Impersonator Scam | Consumer Advice网页.
