PSA to blackmailers: trigger warning (suicide)

I have been reading posts on Reddit as well as here about this scam and have a couple friends who confided in me a couple years ago that they were being blackmailed. One of them had just attended his fathers funeral and needed help with a test (apparently the prof was not flexible). It was wrong but in a moment of desperation he got some help and they've scared the living daylights out of him. He was suicidal for many days, afraid that exposure would shame his family, his mother especially. Please, stop. You're playing with lives of fellow human beings. They aren't rich just because they live in Australia or US. Most students survive on cheap sandwiches and anything else they can get on discount at the store. Please leave students alone, don't be the reason that a young life was taken

There are steps that your friend can take to get the blackmailers off his/her back. First, is to verify that the email address that is coming from the school is verified as a fake. If the person who sent the email does not work in any department of the school, then the email is a harassment tool. Examine the email address. It might be a spoof account which is very easy for these scammers to create. Do not take their word for it when they say threatening things in the blackmail letters. Remember, they will try to appear legitimate so it is up to you to disprove the legitimacy for yourself. There are ways, means, and tools to do so.

I can understand the mental threat that this situation has imposed upon your friend. At this point, he/she needs more than just condolences. Friends should also try to help source the solutions to the problem. If you can share the name of the writing company or details of the person who is harrassing your friend here, maybe we can help you figure out how to file charges against them at specific venues or, perhaps we can shame them into stopping the harrassment.

What this company or person is doing to your friend is not acceptable in this business. These are the types of writers or service companies that give the occupation a bad name. I am at this forum to help put a stop to these negative practices as best as I can. Tell your friend he/she has an ally at this forum willing to help in whatever capacity I can.

@noted that is so so kind of you. Your words are relieving. Once my account is older (tomorrow) , may I email you? There's a lot that cannot be shared online in case the scammer is reading these

Update: suicidal blackmailed friend

I made a post long ago about my friend who was suicidal because of blackmail and extortion. In his case, he actually used parts of the essay they did for him so they had leverage.

He has bounced back extremely well. He talked to the university once the scammers contacted them and the university shut it down on the spot and said "okay don't do it again and take care of yourself".

The scammers kept contacting him anyway and every single time they did, he sent them this (see photo attached)

I told him again and again not to do this but it worked! They've left him alone. Just thought I'd add some humor to this forum and update everyone.

I commend your resolute support for your friend in his trying times. It's truly heartening to hear that the university acted swiftly in safeguarding his well-being. It's imperative to advise him that universities, as institutions, deeply prioritize the welfare of their students, and they'll go to great lengths to ensure their safety and mental health. Suicidal thoughts should never be regarded as a solution; life offers a multitude of invaluable experiences. A university degree, while important, can be deferred and achieved at a later juncture. I believe every young student should know this. Encourage him to focus on healing and personal growth, and his educational goals can certainly be fulfilled in due course.

It is very good to know that there is a student who managed to beat the scammers at their own game. More importantly, that he got off with a mere slap on the wrist from the university. I agree, he should not do that ever again. I hope he learned his lesson and he will not forget how it felt to have that sort of fear any time soon. Next time, he should get a ChatGPT assist instead and then work on his original essay from there. Though it could be a bit problematic at times, the AI actually helps students come up with clear and proper essays when necessary. It produces good sample essays for students to follow.