Blackmailing scams from emails, WhatsApp messages, instant messages, phone calls, social media

This message is part of cybersecurity awareness exercise to share on the importance of online security.

What is Blackmailing Scam?
* Scammers will threaten to share private information about the victim to the public which will cause the victim to panic.
* While in this emotionally vulnerable state, the victim is willing to pay any price to protect their privacy and pride.

How blackmailing scam works?
* The victim will receive messages or emails from an unknown person claiming that they have the victim's personal data, inappropriate videos or pictures and private documents.
* The scammer will reveal the victim's identification number, address or any personal information as an evidence to threaten.
* This will cause the victim to panic and in an effort to protect their privacy, the victim will follow every instruction given by the scammer such as revealing their user ID, password and challenge question's answer.

How to protect yourself?
* Avoid storing your password or any personal information on internet or on social media or on mobile phone
* Never open, do not entertain, and delete any email or message or call from suspicious or unknown sources
* Never share your banking credentials to any person
* Stay calm, if in doubt, ask someone you trust for a second opinion
* Be mindful on social media
* Don't share private information publicly or on social media