The National Police has dismantled a criminal organization that left more than 500 victims of extortion through the well-known hitman scam. The group posted fake advertisements of women offering sexual services on dating websites. When contacted by phone, the extortionists posed as the club boss to coerce the victims. A branch based in Fuerteventura was dedicated to human trafficking and sold client data for 50 euros to facilitate extortion.
The use of stolen data as fuel for the scam 🗂️
The organization employed social engineering techniques and data scraping to identify potential clients. From fake profiles on dating platforms, they obtained phone numbers and personal data. The Fuerteventura branch supplied information on real trafficking clients, selling each contact for 50 euros. This data flow fueled an extortion system where victims received threats from hitmen if they did not pay. The structure operated with call management software and fragmented bank accounts to hinder tracking.
The club boss who only existed on the phone 🤖
Artificial intelligence and automation have advanced so much that even dating club bosses are invented. The criminal organization created a fictional character, the club boss, who threatened victims with hitmen. The funny thing is, if they paid, the boss disappeared. Perhaps the best thing is to ask the extortionist if the hitman has a website with client reviews, or if he accepts transfers via Bizum. At least, the scam has a better script than many new series.