Scams in the Intimate Services Sector

In the modern world, online classifieds have become an integral part of searching for services and products. However, among the important aspects of safety, one must consider potential fraudulent schemes. One such scheme involves an enticing offer followed by a prepayment. The victim is lured in by what appears to be a perfect deal: a favorable price, an attractive person, and additional services. 

When the victim realizes that this scheme is not suitable and attempts to reclaim their money, a "pimp" enters the stage. Typically, scammers create an image of a tough man with a southern accent. They resort to intimidation, claiming that because of the victim, the salon's cash register broke, and they force the victim to compensate for the lost profit. Threats range from a simple fight to revealing the victim's family connections.

Knowing just a phone number is enough to find all personal information. The internet is a place where people leave their data, and significant data breaches, such as the one that occurred in 2022 with a food delivery service, confirm this fact.

Scammers utilize this publicly available information to put the victim in a state of stress where they cannot objectively assess what is happening. It often creates the impression that the victim is being contacted by representatives of a serious criminal organization with connections to law enforcement, which explains their knowledge of the victim's address and relatives.

Subsequently, scammers compel victims to take out microloans and turn to their relatives for financial assistance. This process continues until the victim depletes all their resources.

To avoid such unpleasant situations, it is essential to follow a few rules. Firstly, it is advisable to avoid services that require upfront payments. Secondly, carefully read the warnings on websites that post such advertisements. Lastly, it is recommended to consult acquaintances with experience in the field to obtain reliable contacts.

These simple measures will help prevent falling victim to fraudulent schemes and protect your finances and nerves.