Is "stranger video called and recorded me nude blackmail" a scam?

Question

Is "stranger video called and recorded me nude blackmail" a scam? How do I know, and what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Yes — this is a known, dangerous scam. A WhatsApp video call from an unknown number — the camera shows a partially or fully nude woman. The scammer records you (often with morphed or pre-recorded footage spliced in), then sends a screen recording and threatens to share it with your contacts and family unless you pay. Red flags: Unknown number, surprise video call — the call connects to nudity within seconds • Caller follows up with a screen recording (often morphed) and demands payment • Threats reference 'CBI complaint', 'Cyber cell', or sharing with your family and employer • Caller offers to 'settle' for an amount that grows with each payment • Payment via UPI to a personal account, or to a 'CBI fine portal' link. What to do: Do not pay. Do not reply. Do not engage further. Payment never ends the threat — the demands escalate • Block the number on WhatsApp and your phone. Report the account to WhatsApp (Settings → tap the contact → Report) • Take screenshots of the threats and the number • There is no 'CBI cyber cell' that takes UPI fines. Any threat referencing payment to clear charges is fake • File at https://cybercrime.gov.in immediately — sextortion is taken seriously and can be acted on • Talk to one trusted person — family, friend, or counsellor. The shame is engineered by the scammer; the act of telling someone breaks the leverage • Report at https://cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 (national cyber helpline).

Is “stranger video called and recorded me nude blackmail” a scam?

How to tell

What to do right now