Cyber Crime Rising on Facebook: Scammers Using New Tricks, Here’s How to Stay Safe
Cybercrime cases through social media are increasing rapidly, and Facebook has become one of the biggest targets for fraudsters. Scammers are now adopting new tactics to trap innocent users, often using fake friend requests and obscene video calls as weapons. A recent case has highlighted how easily people can fall into this trap and lose their hard-earned money.
The Case That Shocked Many
A young man recently fell victim to a well-planned cyber fraud through Facebook. It all began when he received a friend request from an unknown person late at night. Without thinking much, he accepted the request. Soon after, the two started chatting and eventually exchanged phone numbers.
The next twist came when the man received an obscene video call. What he did not know was that the scammer was recording the call. Soon, the fraudster threatened to leak the video to his friends and family unless he paid money. Out of fear, the victim immediately transferred ₹4,000.
But the extortion didn’t stop there. The fraudster continued demanding more money. When the victim refused to pay further, another person entered the scene, pretending to be a cybercrime police officer. This new scammer told the victim that he could “settle the matter” if he paid ₹25,000. Panicked, the man transferred another ₹20,300. Later, when the fraudsters demanded ₹50,000 more, the victim finally realized he had been cheated and approached the police to lodge a complaint.
The Modus Operandi of Scammers
Such cyber frauds are becoming increasingly common. Scammers usually follow this pattern:
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Send friend requests from fake profiles.
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Gain trust through casual chatting and sharing personal details.
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Initiate obscene video calls or send explicit content.
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Record the interaction and use it for blackmail and extortion.
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Sometimes, they even pose as cybercrime officials or police officers to extract more money.
The psychological pressure of public humiliation makes victims pay quickly without informing anyone.
Why Facebook and Social Media Are Targeted
Social media platforms like Facebook provide easy access to millions of people. Many users unknowingly accept requests from strangers, which opens the door for fraudsters. The lack of awareness about privacy and online safety makes such platforms a hunting ground for cybercriminals.
How to Protect Yourself from Facebook Cybercrime
Experts suggest that prevention is the best way to fight against such frauds. Here are some safety measures every user should follow:
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Do not accept friend requests from unknown people. Always verify before connecting.
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Avoid sharing personal details like phone numbers, addresses, or financial information with strangers.
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Never engage in obscene calls or chats with people you don’t know. Scammers use this as their primary weapon.
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If threatened, report immediately to your local police station or cybercrime cell instead of giving in to extortion.
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Keep screenshots and recordings as proof, which can help during investigations.
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Be cautious with online payments. Verify authenticity before transferring any money.
Final Thoughts
The rise of cybercrime on platforms like Facebook shows that online scams are evolving with new strategies. While technology makes our lives easier, it also exposes us to risks if we are careless. The recent case is a reminder that blindly trusting unknown people online can have serious consequences.
Staying alert, maintaining privacy, and reporting suspicious activities at the right time are the best defenses against such crimes. Remember, a single careless click can cost thousands of rupees — or worse, your peace of mind.
