NEWCASTLE – Social media connects us all, whether it be through our cellphones or computers.
Read: Thunderstorms forecast for KZN this week
But imagine seeing a naked photograph of yourself on social media. Your friends, family, work colleagues and boss could see you at the most inopportune and vulnerable position imaginable.
This is exactly the type of threat looming over a local 22-year-old man’s head.
Due to the sensitive nature of the story, the man’s name is being withheld.
“I met what I thought was a girl on a social app and we started chatting. She then sent me a nude selfie of herself and I sent one back,” explained the resident.
A few minutes after sending the photograph, the man received a phone call, and his nightmare began.
On the line was a man who threatened to put the youngster’s photograph on social media.
“He pretended to be the woman and said if I did not send him money, he would put the photo everywhere and send it to my mother and sister.”
The young man hung up the phone, and immediately warned his family of the threat.
“I do not have the money to pay the person,” he said.
He came forward to urge people to be very careful when sending sensitive photographs and information over social media.
“I just want people to be careful when talking to people over social media. You don’t really know who the person is. Also, never send a nude photograph of yourself to anyone.”
A legal source claimed the man could open a case of crimen injuria and get an interdict against the alleged blackmailer.
However, while a case can be opened against the man, the youngster said he did not have the culprit’s real name or have any other information. He also deleted the culprit’s number in a moment of panic.
The resident managed to record the alleged blackmailer. Listen to it below, and let us know what you think in the comments section:
Warning – this recording contains foul language!
