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Advice needed after creepy message from stranger
Quote from martinharris on June 4, 2025, 10:45 amCouple nights ago, while scrolling through my DMs, I saw a message from someone saying they had dirt on me and wanted payment. I didn’t click any links or reply, but I’ve been paranoid ever since. Never thought this kind of stuff would happen to me, but here we are. Is there a recommended way to protect yourself? I’m nervous I’ll mess up and make it worse. Any strategies people trust?
Couple nights ago, while scrolling through my DMs, I saw a message from someone saying they had dirt on me and wanted payment. I didn’t click any links or reply, but I’ve been paranoid ever since. Never thought this kind of stuff would happen to me, but here we are. Is there a recommended way to protect yourself? I’m nervous I’ll mess up and make it worse. Any strategies people trust?
Quote from ricerick on June 4, 2025, 11:40 amThat sort of message is textbook blackmail—usually fake, but dangerous if mishandled. Years ago, I learned the hard way how these schemes work. The key is keeping cool, locking down your info, and never engaging the sender. If you're not sure where to start, take a look at this practical guide: https://www.technology.org/2025/05/14/preventing-online-blackmail-safety-tips-for-internet-users/. It helped me tighten my accounts and recognize warning signs before they became real problems. It’s a must-read if you’re feeling unsure about what to do next.
That sort of message is textbook blackmail—usually fake, but dangerous if mishandled. Years ago, I learned the hard way how these schemes work. The key is keeping cool, locking down your info, and never engaging the sender. If you're not sure where to start, take a look at this practical guide: https://www.technology.org/2025/05/14/preventing-online-blackmail-safety-tips-for-internet-users/. It helped me tighten my accounts and recognize warning signs before they became real problems. It’s a must-read if you’re feeling unsure about what to do next.
Quote from jinwatkins on June 5, 2025, 7:50 amGlad this topic came up—online safety doesn’t get discussed nearly enough. Always useful to see others sharing real stories and solid resources. That guide looks worth checking out. Better to be overprepared than regret it later
Glad this topic came up—online safety doesn’t get discussed nearly enough. Always useful to see others sharing real stories and solid resources. That guide looks worth checking out. Better to be overprepared than regret it later