And his experience only seems to be getting more common on dating sites.
They messaged back and forth, agreeing to meet up later.
But after sending photos, Jacob said things got dark very quickly.
Image: Leon Neal (Getty Images)
Jacob did some Google searches for extortion scams and found plenty of people on Reddit talking about similar experiences.
So he opted to just block the extortionist and hope nothing happened.
I know things like this can be devastating so maybe itll give some comfort, Jacob told Gizmodo.
But some of the most concerning complaints involve extortion attempts.
Gizmodo is publishing a sample of the complaints weve received.
The complaints have been redacted by the FTC, which is standard practice to protect consumer privacy.
Theyve also been very lightly edited by Gizmodo for readability, including minor changes to punctuation and capitalization.
But theyre otherwise unaltered and the fundamental substance of each complaint is the same.
I got busy and couldnt respond quickly and he asked if we could text instead and I said ok.
He texted me hello and I said hello back.
He texted me again a few hours later and we had some sexual banter.
He also sent screenshots of my nude photos from Grindr.
He had all my info and screenshots of public records and my address.
He made threats of sending images I sent him to family, friends and work associates.
He had all my info and screenshots of public records and my address.
He said if I do what he said it would go away.
I blocked him and he used another number to send another text [redacted].
now harassing me and threatening to ruin my life
We chatted online and exchanged a few pictures.
Eventually getting to exchanging cell numbers to chat outside of the app.
We began texting and making plans to meet.
I immediately deactivated or deleted all my social media accounts.
At first, the ask was for $1,000 to be sent via the Cash app.
I sent $500 to a [redacted].
I tried to send another $500 to the same person and the Cash app declined the transaction.
They gave me a second person to send to $500 to, [redacted].
That transaction also failed.
I was directed to purchase a Razer Gold or Apple gift card.
I made that purchase and sent them the picture of the Apple gift card.
I begged and pleaded for them not to do this.
I told them I didnt have much money and I was feeling very ill.
They told me I had to send another $500 that (Thursday) night or else.
With their instructions, I purchased $500 in Razor Gold gift cards on Amazon.com.
I waited up to receive the codes, but they were never emailed by Amazon.
The scammers told me to send the codes in the morning.
I purchased $1,000 in Razer Gold and another $1,000 in apple gift cards.
I sent them the pictures of all the cards.
Of course, we werent square.
They needed another $1,000 today or else.
I purchased two more $500 Razer Gold cards totalling $1,000.
I sent the pictures to them.
I begged and pleaded for mercy.
They then had me create an id.me account.
I gave them the login, password, and two-factor authentication codes that were sent to me.
They logged into the account and added an additional phone number for the two-factor authentication.
Next they had me create a Moneylion account for them.
I never gave it to them.
On Saturday, I removed their phone number from id.me and changed the password on id.me and Moneylion.
I told them not to text, and that I would text them when I got out.
They continued to text periodically on Saturday.
No texts on Sunday.
Yesterday (Monday, July 31), they got more aggressive with threats.
Their initial text on Sunday threatened to go to my house to verify my family knew.
They then called me four times in a row.
The first time I picked up because I was expecting a call from a therapist.
I immediately hung up once I realized who it was.
They texted and said Wow, thats great ok and I cant believe you will do this.
I havent not to them since.
The cops or FBI cannot stop me from exposing you
Scammer presented himself on Grindr.
He then began a series of threatening texts.
I told him he was a scammer then blocked his #.
Here are the text msgs he sent each separated by a blank space.
For the last time
DEAL OR NO DEAL ?
There are multiple of these types of threat messages sent to my phone and my wifes phone as well.
Being bribed so that someone doesnt expose explicit pictures of me.
I met someone on Grindr last week and stupidly gave them my phone number after exchanging some pics.
They are now trying to bribe me to not send them to family members.
I have ignored their calls and texts.
The phone number they are using is [redacted].
otherwise Ill ruin your reputation
We had a conversation on Grindr.
I gave them my phone number.
Immediately, I proceeded to block the number and did not even respond to the message.
…tried to extort money to keep from leaking said pictures to my contacts list.
I have run in to two frauds while on the app Grindr.
The picture looked American.
Phone [redacted].
There was the symbol of the English pound before his Cashapp login.
The Cashapp was started Feb 23.
There seems to be a limited number of back stories.
Ive heard two separate stories from 5 separate men.
They always want to talk on Whatsapp.
Im assuming because it a encrypted and leaves no trace.
So far, I have not lost any money although I have 50 dollars locked in Cashapp.
I chose to report and block him instead.
Grindr noted that it hosts tools on its site to help protect against scams and provided links.
Grindr stands ready to support law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute bad actors, the spokesperson continued.
Have you been the victim of an extortion attempt on a dating app and want to tell your story?
Send us a tip at[email protected].
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