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"A man called saying he was from the tax department and that I'd made a mistake on a filing from 4 years ago. He said the police were on their way to my house right now, but I could stop the arrest if I paid the EUR 2,000 fine immediately."

"I was so terrified of going to jail that I immediately sent the money. It was only after I realised the police would never ask for tax money over the phone."

This situation involves a form of fraud that weaponizes threats to bypass your logic. Scammers posing as police, tax, or court officials, call to claim there is an arrest warrant for you, relying on creating immediate, intense panic or fear.

Another common and deeply distressing variant is 'sextortion'. In this scenario, a criminal sends an email claiming they have hacked your computer’s webcam and recorded you. They threaten to send the footage to your contact list, including family, friends, and employers, unless you pay to stop.

Criminals know that when you are in a panic, you are more likely to seek the fastest possible resolution rather than questioning the validity of the threat. They will demand that you remain on the line, isolate you from others, and insist on immediate payment.

• Identify the pressure tactic and remember that real authorities follow formal, documented legal procedures, and a legitimate official will always allow you time to seek legal advice or verify a claim through official channels
• Check the method of payment and keep in mind that no legitimate government agency, police force, or court will ever demand a fine or settlement via gift cards, as these offer no formal dispute process for recovery

• Terminate the contact immediately: If you receive a call or email that makes you feel threatened or ashamed, stop the interaction. Hang up the phone or close the email. Disconnecting is the fastest way to break the scammer's psychological hold over you
• Verify the claim independently: If you are worried about a legal threat, do not use any contact information provided by the person threatening you. Instead, look up the official phone number for your local police station or the relevant government department on a trusted website
• Seek support: Scammers rely on your shame to keep you quiet. Talk to a trusted friend or family member about the interaction. An outside perspective will help you see the holes in the scammer's story. If you are being blackmailed, contact the police or victim support organisations