Summary
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Quid pro quo attacks are a type of scam in which the attacker demands something from the victim in exchange for something else.
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The attacker may use phone calls, email, messaging apps, social media, or dating sites to contact the victim.
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They may threaten the victim with legal action, financial ruin, or public embarrassment if they do not comply with their demands.
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To protect yourself from quid pro quo attacks, be wary of any unsolicited contact that makes bold offers or threats.
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Do not give out personal information to unsolicited callers or open attachments from unknown senders.
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Keep your social media profiles locked down and avoid oversharing personal details publicly.
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Use strong, unique passwords and turn on two-factor authentication where possible.
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Back up your data regularly and do not send money, gift cards, or sensitive information to strangers online.
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Keep your antivirus, firewalls, and devices updated.
Additional Tips
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Never click on links in emails or text messages from unknown senders.
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Be suspicious of any email or text message that asks you to provide personal information, such as your password or credit card number.
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If you are ever unsure about the authenticity of an email or text message, contact the sender directly by phone or through their official website.
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Be aware of the latest scams and phishing attacks. There are many resources available online that can help you stay informed.
Aren’t these just regular blackmail?
By wikipedia’s blackmail definition, blackmail is part of this give-us-something-in-exchange-of-something scam. Blackmailing doesn’t usually include give-us-personal-info-in-exchange-of-nonexistent-giftcard kind of scam.