WhatsApp Video Call Scam Explained: How Sextortion Traps Users and How to Stay Safe
The WhatsApp video call scam explained in recent cybercrime alerts reveals a worrying rise in sextortion cases across India. Fraudsters are targeting users through unexpected video calls, secretly recording interactions, and then threatening to leak edited clips unless money is paid. What may seem like an ordinary missed call from an unknown number can quickly spiral into blackmail and emotional distress.
Cybercrime experts warn that awareness and quick action are the strongest shields against such digital fraud. Here’s a detailed look at how these scams work and how you can protect yourself.
How the WhatsApp Sextortion Scam Works
Sextortion scams usually begin with a random video call from an unknown or international number. The scammer may:
These criminals rely heavily on fear, embarrassment, and panic to pressure victims into immediate payment.
Avoid Answering Unknown Video Calls
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to stay safe is to ignore video calls from unfamiliar numbers.
Scammers depend on curiosity. Resisting the urge to respond can stop the scam before it begins.
Strengthen Your WhatsApp Privacy Settings
Reviewing your privacy settings on WhatsApp is crucial to prevent strangers from accessing your information.
Update the following settings to “My Contacts”:
This ensures unknown users cannot download your profile picture or misuse personal details to create fake content or apply further pressure.
Avoid Sharing Your Phone Number Publicly
Many fraudsters collect phone numbers from:
To reduce risk:
If sharing your number for professional purposes, ensure that your accounts have strict privacy controls in place.
Never Send Money Under Threat
If a scammer threatens to circulate a video or screenshots:
Paying once often leads to repeated demands. Scammers rarely stop after the first payment. Their power lies in fear - staying composed weakens their control.
Block, Report, and Seek Immediate Help
If you suspect a sextortion attempt:
In India, victims can:
Prompt reporting increases the chances of action against such fraudsters and prevents them from targeting others.
Awareness Is Your Best Protection
Sextortion scams are carefully designed to create panic and shame. However, informed users can avoid falling into these traps. Being cautious about unknown video calls, strengthening privacy settings, and refusing to give in to threats can significantly reduce the risk.
In today’s digital age, staying alert online is not just advisable - it is essential.
Cybercrime experts warn that awareness and quick action are the strongest shields against such digital fraud. Here’s a detailed look at how these scams work and how you can protect yourself.
How the WhatsApp Sextortion Scam Works
Sextortion scams usually begin with a random video call from an unknown or international number. The scammer may:
- Initiate a video call and attempt to engage the victim.
- Use pre-recorded explicit content to manipulate the situation.
- Record the interaction, even if it lasts only a few seconds.
- Threaten to share the clip with the victim’s contacts unless money is transferred.
These criminals rely heavily on fear, embarrassment, and panic to pressure victims into immediate payment.
Avoid Answering Unknown Video Calls
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to stay safe is to ignore video calls from unfamiliar numbers.
- Do not answer calls from unknown or international numbers.
- If you accidentally answer, disconnect immediately.
- Avoid speaking, reacting, or turning on your camera.
- Even a brief interaction can be screen-recorded and misused.
Scammers depend on curiosity. Resisting the urge to respond can stop the scam before it begins.
Strengthen Your WhatsApp Privacy Settings
Reviewing your privacy settings on WhatsApp is crucial to prevent strangers from accessing your information.
Update the following settings to “My Contacts”:
- Profile photo
- Last seen
- About section
- Status updates
This ensures unknown users cannot download your profile picture or misuse personal details to create fake content or apply further pressure.
Avoid Sharing Your Phone Number Publicly
Many fraudsters collect phone numbers from:
- Public social media profiles
- Online business listings
- Open websites and directories
To reduce risk:
- Keep your social media accounts private.
- Limit personal details visible to the public.
- Avoid posting your mobile number openly unless absolutely necessary.
If sharing your number for professional purposes, ensure that your accounts have strict privacy controls in place.
Never Send Money Under Threat
If a scammer threatens to circulate a video or screenshots:
- Stay calm.
- Do not transfer money.
- Do not continue the conversation.
Paying once often leads to repeated demands. Scammers rarely stop after the first payment. Their power lies in fear - staying composed weakens their control.
Block, Report, and Seek Immediate Help
If you suspect a sextortion attempt:
- Block the suspicious number immediately.
- Report the contact within the app.
- Take screenshots of messages, threats, and payment requests.
In India, victims can:
- Call the national cybercrime helpline at 1930.
- File a complaint on the official cybercrime reporting portal.
Prompt reporting increases the chances of action against such fraudsters and prevents them from targeting others.
Awareness Is Your Best Protection
Sextortion scams are carefully designed to create panic and shame. However, informed users can avoid falling into these traps. Being cautious about unknown video calls, strengthening privacy settings, and refusing to give in to threats can significantly reduce the risk.
In today’s digital age, staying alert online is not just advisable - it is essential.
Next Story