BEWARE SKYPE TYPE BLACKMAIL SCAM
This is a scam whereby a stranger will strike up a conversation with you socially or in a chat room which you use frequently.
They will suggest that you switch over to either a private chat room, or to link up using a video call system such as Skype.
You will not realise it, but from this stage onwards, the other person will be recording everything you say, type or do via your own webcam, they will also be copying your friends and contact lists from your own computer.
The other person will slowly bring the conversation around to make you say or do something which you would not want your friends and/or family knowing about.
Once they have this recorded, they will show you a playback of what they have, and then use it to blackmail you, saying that as long as you pay them what they want, they will not send the embarrassing item to all of the people on your contacts lists.
You would be surprised what some people have done which has led to them being blackmailed like this, and the overseas crime lords are raking in millions of pounds continuously after suckering people in.
HOW CAN YOU STOP IT?
NEVER do anything on (or with) your computer that you would not like your mother, father, or aged aunty to see.
If you are not actually using your webcam, either keep it switched off, or do what I do, and keep it pointing at a wall, away from you and your room.
IF YOU ARE SUCKERED IN:
DO NOT pay them. There is no assurance that they will delete the item once you send them what they want, and once you pay them they could easily just insist on more money.
REPORT IT TO THE POLICE. If you are too shy or embarrassed, use the police on-line FRAUD LINE.
Remember our motto: NEVER BE THE VICTIM.
London's East End Guard Dog 