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Bad actors use fear and the threat of the unknown against us. Extortion scams are based around threatening and urgent extortion messages, and are one of the persistent problems of a digitally-connected world.
Bad actors use fear and the threat of the unknown against us. Extortion scams are based around threatening and urgent extortion messages, and are one of the persistent problems of a digitally-connected world.
Extortion emails or texts play on the recipient's emotions and manufacture a sense of urgency, which are typical hallmarks of phishing messages. Unfortunately our campus community is not immune from these threats. Learn some typical features of these scams and what to do if you're targeted.
Extortion emails or texts play on the recipient's emotions and manufacture a sense of urgency, which are typical hallmarks of phishing messages. Unfortunately our campus community is not immune from these threats. Learn some typical features of these scams and what to do if you're targeted.
In an extortion scam, a scammer may tell you they know one of your passwords, have sensitive photos of you, or have other personal information they’ll release unless you pay them. The messages have a sense of urgency, often demanding an immediate response.
In an extortion scam, a scammer may tell you they know one of your passwords, have sensitive photos of you, or have other personal information they’ll release unless you pay them. The messages have a sense of urgency, often demanding an immediate response.
A common scam is when someone claims that malware on your computer or phone has captured embarrassing photos of you through the camera, and that they will publish them if you don’t pay up. Other times a scammer will claim to be a friend, child or grandchild in jail, and ask you to send funds for bail. There are many variants on this same theme.
Do not respond back to any extortion messages, even if you believe they do have sensitive information. Instead take action on your own to secure your safety, and the safety of your information.
If you receive an extortion email, here are some tips...
→ Report the message to the T&I security team at ti@davidson.edu.
→ If you feel unsafe or threatened, contact Davidson Campus Police. Their number is 704-894-2178.
→ Block the scammer's account or number from your email, social media or phone.
→ Immediately change your passwords to unique, strong passwords. Passphrases are a good way to do this. Learn more about passphrases.
→ Use a password manager if you do not already do so. This helps you use stronger passwords since you don’t have to remember them all.
→ Use two-factor authentication on all your accounts that offer it.
Check out some additional resources.
Check out some additional resources.
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