Internet scams in Brest region witness a surge in cyber blackmail cases
In the digital age, the threat of online extortion is becoming increasingly prevalent, with the Brest region experiencing a significant surge in such cases. According to the Investigative Committee for the Brest region, there have been 44 criminal cases of extortion in the January-October period, compared to 21 in the same period last year.
One of the most common methods used by cybercriminals is extorting money after gaining access to intimate photos or videos. A 23-year-old resident of Pinsk and an 18-year-old resident of Ivatsevichi have fallen victim to this tactic, with the criminals demanding 5,000 Russian rubles and Br450 respectively.
In Brest, the extortion cases often involve hacking into social media accounts and the use of intimate materials for blackmail. The criminals rely on the fact that victims may not want to discuss their personal life with strangers and may not report the incident to law enforcement.
To protect yourself from online extortion, it's crucial to follow some key steps. First and foremost, do not pay the extortionist. Meeting their demands often leads to further threats rather than resolution. Cybercriminals cannot be trusted to stop. Cease communication with the extortionist but avoid blocking them immediately to prevent potential retaliation and to aid investigations.
Collect and preserve evidence such as messages, emails, screenshots, and any related data that can support legal or law enforcement action. Secure your online presence by changing all passwords, enabling strong multi-factor authentication, and reviewing privacy settings on all accounts to minimize further vulnerabilities. Seek professional help and report the crime to appropriate authorities or cybercrime support organizations who can guide you through the next steps safely.
Additional preventive measures include avoiding sharing intimate photos or videos online or through insecure channels, regularly updating security software, and maintaining offline backups of sensitive data.
Roman Zarmayev, the official representative of the Investigative Committee for the Brest region, warns that users should be cautious about their online activities and the information they share on social media. He also emphasizes that scammers may call victims in messengers and demand money transfers under threat of violence or harm to health.
In some cases, ignoring extortionist messages may stop blackmail. However, if you find yourself a victim, it's essential to contact the site's technical support and file a report with law enforcement. Psychologically distressed victims have paid extortionists in some cases, but it's crucial to remember that engaging with the extortionist only validates their actions and increases the risk of further threats.
Staying vigilant about what you share, securing your devices and accounts, and responding calmly and methodically if extortion occurs are essential to protecting yourself from this form of online abuse.
- The surge in online extortion cases in the Brest region, as seen in the general-news, often involves cybercriminals gaining access to intimate materials on social media platforms, a threat that underscores the importance of cybersecurity in technology-driven societies.
- As a preventive measure against online extortion, it's advisable to report such crime-and-justice incidents to appropriate authorities or cybercrime support organizations, as doing so can aid in the investigation process and protect oneself from further threats.
