I'm used to getting robo and scam calls which I don't answer − it's easy to tell when they don't leave a message. After a search for the number confirms the not wanted call, I block it or try to do so.
Recently I received a number of calls from "Out of Area" with no number displayed so I could not block it. I finally answered the call to learn it was from "IT Services." My response: "I don't want or need this call. Please (I try to be polite, even if it is a scam) take me off your list." I haven't gotten another call from them.
I'm also used to the emails from some benevolent soul from another country who wants me to share in his/her bounty. All I need to do is share my bank account information and contribute good-faith money. Yeah, I'm really going to do that, just like I'm going to give an unsolicited caller my credit card information to lower my rates!
But the most disturbing scam I've seen is the extortion email. But before I tell you about the one I received (which I think will amuse anyone who knows me), I will explain why it is disturbing. The hacker referenced a decade old password on an old email account. I don't know how they obtained it, and that part is a bit upsetting.
Now to the content of the email, it was a sexploitation extortion/blackmail attempt that claimed to have proof of me watching porn on my computer! The sender stated he would ruin my reputation with the video (showing my embarrassing acts in response which were captured via my web cam) if I didn't send $3600 in bit coin. Two problems with this scenario: I don't visit porn sites (I hope that wasn't a surprise to anyone), and my computer does not have a built in web cam. Nevertheless, I worry about others who may not be savvy to this kind of intrusion, even if they are as innocent as I.
Part of me wanted to respond and express my feelings toward the person who sent the email. (I may try to live by Christian principles, but I am human!) I know the email was foreign-generated, and after reading an article on this same extortion attempt, I'm sure they covered their tracks pretty well.
Still, I immediately contacted my Internet provider and will file a complaint with the Kansas Attorney General and FBI. Even better, I'll go to a higher authority. Matthew 5:44 states: "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,..." so I will say a prayer for the penitence of individuals who make a living by hurting their fellowman in addition to all those who have been victimized by them. Scammers certainly don't make the world a better place, but we can.
