Thought provider was legit with reviews, and I sent ID (info covered outside of legal name and birth date), a nude (no face), and my LinkedIn, deposited via PayPal upfront half at booking, and half at arrival before I could meet anyone... They then said to pay more otherwise they would notify authorities, and text my team members with text screenshots. Anything I can do here? They sent a screenshot of nude going to someone I know (not sure how they got phone numbers, and they have more on the list)...

You probably have two options here. Write if off and just move on. It is unlikely that they are in a position to report anything to LE -- which I assume is the authorities.

 
Alternatively, if you have text or email where they make the threat you can go to the cops and report the black mail/extortion attempt. You would have to admit to your misdemeanor but they would be facing a couple (at least) felony charges. If you really think their threat is credible then you lose nothing by going to the cops first.

 
If you're not sure about that then talk with a lawyer, I'm sure that would be protected information and not something they would feel any need to report you for (but perhaps one of the actual lawyers here might weigh in on any legal requirements in that specific matter).

 
They probably got your friend's contact from LinkedIn.

 
Last, why are you not mentioning the name of the provider. That would both offer some limited assistance to others in avoiding making a similar mistake as well as allow some assessment of this being a case of a legit provider going bad, someone hijacking the name and ads with a different number/contact info or just a whole set of fake setup for the burn.

-- Modified on 12/27/2021 12:21:07 AM

Thank you.

The provider ad was https://www.adultlook.com/p/3200746#profile_start - seems like it's not them anyway though probably stolen photos, with scammers contact info...if I went to LE, what could they do? They don't have any way to find this person, and even if they did the scammer might doxx and send the text screenshots no?  

Yes they also found Instagram of people that work with my company...  

They gave me until tomorrow and they definitely have correct info to send things to people I know. Other people mentioned to just ignore it and unlikely worst case scenario, it happens. Wondering if I should call them out the scammer on the fact there's proof of blackmail/doxxing/extortion and flip the script... But still concerned as how could LE find them and they have people's info ready to send to.

You paid something via PayPal. I'm pretty sure the only way to get money in or out of PayPal is via some legal financial transaction that is tied to some actual banking entity (actual bank or credit card). Even if they transfer from the PayPal to some other account -- even off shore -- there is going to be a financial trail.

 
You're right that if they are well organized they might still stay one step ahead of the law but you don't know if they are well organized or just someone running a scam from their trailer/parents basement.

 
At the start and end of the day you fucked up royally and have no good options. Pick your poison and try to learn from the experience. You might also want, assuming you try staying in this playground, to get a second and third opinion from people her before seeing anyone else and limit your self to providers that have reviews and history here or P411.

Block the number and move on. Don't let them rile you up. They are probably the same one as the blackmailer with mutilated photos. If you would, reply with the image of the FBI Logo.

As your friends and significant others, your numbers and identity got hacked is your response if asked.

Thanks, J0e. Looks like they stopped after I didn't reply to their screenshots of sent messages... I did have to speak with someone I know.

I don’t mean to be harsh while you’re in this unfortunate situation, but never give your personal information. NEVER.  I will rather not partake in the hobby than give my personal information. There is too much at stake as you’re finding out.  

I’m surprised there aren’t more cases of guys getting extorted.  I suggest you speak to a lawyer to determine the best course.  

I absolutely agree  
Take personal info seriously  
Hope you get this situation  fixed and wishing the best

A few red flags and a simple google search finds:

1) Lower than average rate + super hot pics

2) She has no other ads on the major ads sites (ones that verify ID/pics).  

3 No Social Media.  

4) No Website.  

5)  Email does not have any kind of internet trail and the NUMBER is linked to multiple ads on the internet with DIFFERENT PICS/NAMES.

 

As a provider - I would say it is easier for us to spot fakes due to the fact that we put a lot of time and effort into our brands and we are used to vetting people like our lives depend on it - because it does. Keep in mind that high quality providers are typically not asking for nude pics. We only want just enough info to confirm you are who you say you are, that you are relatively safe with no history of violence -- all in the hope that you won't rape and murder us. We do not care about your information beyond that.  

A Tip:  Consistency/longevity in web presence and advertising is key when choosing a provider to see. Are they on multiple major ad platforms? Are they on Twitter, IG? If they do not have social media - do they have a personal website? Scammers do not play the long game.

I hope your future endeavors are more successful!

The concern is not if you care about my personal information or not.  The concern is how you handle that information once you have access to it.  

You also can’t speak for every provider and what they do with personal information once they get it.  You can only speak for yourself.  For every provide who is careful and conscientious with personal information, there are 10 who aren’t.  

There has to be a better way to screen people with minimal intrusion.  This current system is not it.

You're correct about both points -- she can only really speak for herself and those providing the information need to think about any provider they might be considering, not just her.

 
That said I think the actual value from the contribution here related to how a guy (or gal) might go about assessing the online presence when deciding if they even want to reach out to a new (to them) provider. That seems pretty well stated and had the OP been thinking like that probably would have never been in the difficulty he found himself.

 
I think that type of participation by providers should be acknowledged and encouraged.

Indeed.   If you have to call it identity theft.  

But if you have to communicate with LE, do it through your attorney.  DO not lie to LE. Instead, ay nothing at all.

Don't respond to them.  They will move on when they realize they can't get money. Their threats and gruesome pictures are meant to shake you up.  They won't follow thru on their threats because it's too much trouble. They will move on to  another trusting newbie. I've experienced the gruesome texts and was called by one these cockroaches. Why ? Because  I used my personal phone to inquire about an add.  They threatened to come to my house and kill my family and then my parents. That shook me up to point where I contacted LE and was re-assured that these threats are common and nothing will happen.  
Get a  burn phone from Best Buy.  I wouldn't go to a lawyer or contact LE unless they continue to harass you. Be cool and now you've learned a hard lesson.