Understanding Cyber Harassment: Lessons from a Personal Experience

In recent times, many people have been spammed with unknown links, messages, and calls from unfamiliar numbers. They have been added to groups filled with strangers, receiving random job offers, work-from-home opportunities, and various product promotions. A common trait among these instances is that they come from unknown sources trying to reach a large audience.

As active users of social platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram, which we use for personal, family, and official communications, we often face these unwanted messages. One alarming trend is the increase in WhatsApp video calls from unknown numbers. These calls typically involve a woman appearing on the screen momentarily before the call is abruptly ended. Shortly after, a video is sent to the recipient showing their face alongside inappropriate content, such as a naked individual.

A Disturbing Experience of Online Blackmail: Case Study

A client of ours, who regularly received calls and messages for his business, faced a disturbing incident. He received a video call while going for lunch. To his shock, a naked woman appeared on the screen, and before he could react, the call ended. Soon after, he started receiving threatening messages with screenshots and videos showing his face from the call. The blackmailers demanded money, threatening to spread the videos to his contacts.

Despite his attempts to block and delete the chat, the harassment continued from different numbers. The psychological pressure compelled him to pay ₹5,000 initially, but the extortion didn’t stop there. Over the following days, he paid a total of ₹30,000 to these criminals. When he finally approached the police, the money had already been withdrawn through various accounts, leaving little for the authorities to trace.

This situation highlighted a critical issue: despite existing laws like the Information Technology Act (ITA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC), many people fall victim to such scams due to a lack of awareness and education on online safety.

Bringing the Issue of Cyber Extortion to Light

As we scroll through social media, often for entertainment, we miss out on valuable knowledge about safeguarding ourselves against cyber threats. Experts and knowledgeable individuals share important information on these platforms, but it often tends to be overlooked.

Through our conversation with the client, it became clear that many people are unaware of the risks and the reality of cyber extortion and blackmail. These scammers prey on our reputation and fear of social shame, exploiting these vulnerabilities to extract money.

To combat this, society needs to foster better awareness and education about online safety. It is crucial to understand the methods used by scammers and learn proactive measures to protect oneself. Only then can we reduce the number of such cases and create a safer digital environment for everyone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while we actively scroll through social media, it is essential to be aware of potential threats and the many other scams that happen daily. Moreover, the major cause of such traumatic experiences is the lack of knowledge about cyber awareness and safety. In today’s rapidly progressing world, it is necessary to stay aware and informed to create a safer online environment, not just for ourselves but for others too.