WhatsApp Nude call scams

Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics, and a disturbing new trend has emerged in India: using WhatsApp video calls for blackmail. Victims receive seemingly innocent video calls, often from unknown numbers or profiles that appear legitimate. During the call, the scammer appears naked on screen, often abruptly and unexpectedly. Simultaneously, the scammer captures a screenshot of the victim’s video feed, creating a compromising image that can be easily manipulated. This screenshot, combined with the recording of the scammer’s own nudity, forms the basis for blackmail. The victim is then threatened with the public release of these fabricated images, either on social media or directly to their contacts, unless they pay a significant sum of money.

These scams exploit the trust people place in familiar platforms like WhatsApp. The ease of capturing screenshots and recording video calls makes this a particularly potent threat. Victims, fearing social stigma and humiliation, often comply with the blackmailer’s demands. While exact statistics are difficult to obtain due to the sensitive nature of the crime, anecdotal evidence and reports suggest a rise in such incidents across India.

Protect Yourself:

• Be extremely cautious about accepting video calls from unknown numbers.
• Never engage in intimate or compromising acts during video calls, even with people you know online.
• Be wary of profiles that seem too good to be true or lack genuine engagement.
• If you receive a blackmail threat, do not panic. Report the incident to the cybercrime cell immediately. Do not pay the blackmailers. Preserve any evidence you have.

Staying vigilant and informed is crucial in protecting yourself from these predatory scams. Don’t become a victim – prioritize your online safety.