How do I handle someone threatening to post nude pictures of me?
The chat logs show they said they were 21. He panicked and already sent them $200, and they are requesting more. He’s not sure what his best option is going forward, and we would like advice.
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Just for some starting information, this is almost definitely a scam.
On dating websites, there has been a common scam going around, claiming either to be a minor or threatening to expose the photos of someone. They then use the fear to convince the person to make payments. This is actually a crime called extortion, which your partner could then report to the police or the FBI at www.ic3.gov.
Does that all make sense?
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My partner was messaging someone from a chat website and sent nude pictures of himself. Someone is now messaging him that they will post those pictures publicly and state they were underage unless he sends them money.
The chat logs show they said they were 21. He panicked and already sent them $200, and they are requesting more. He’s not sure what his best option is going forward, and we would like advice.
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured that they'll be able to help you with your situation.
I don't know
Hi there! My name is Liz and I’ve been an attorney for more than a decade, and I am here to assist with your legal concerns. So I can best help, has your partner blocked the person?
Just for some starting information, this is almost definitely a scam.
On dating websites, there has been a common scam going around, claiming either to be a minor or threatening to expose the photos of someone. They then use the fear to convince the person to make payments. This is actually a crime called extortion, which your partner could then report to the police or the FBI at www.ic3.gov.
Does that all make sense?
Yes that does make sense
I told him to block the person now.
Wonderful! Because it's a scam, blocking the person and not sending more money, can be recommended.
He’s worried that they will post pictures of him online. Do these scammers actually post the photos? Is he more protected if we make a police report?
Posting the photo would increase criminal charges against them if they're inside the US, it also brings no benefit for the scammer to post it.
Thank you for your advice.
You're very welcome!
