Cyber criminals move to exploit ‘safe’ social media spaces
Following a few glasses of wine, John’s inhibitions had dropped when he went online to talk to a woman he had met through an internet dating site. Although they hadn’t met in person, they had been exchanging messages for about a week and a half.
Because of the familiarity built up through previous messages, and the effects of the alcohol, when she suggested that she would remove some of her clothes if he did the same, he agreed. Straight away he realised he had been scammed.
“They said ‘Now I’ve recorded you. If you don’t pay me I’ll put the video all over Facebook and YouTube.’ My instant thought was that I had no choice and that I’d pay anything, because I thought that if they posted the video it would ruin my business and family relationships,” says the 60-year-old.
