Minsk Resident Extorted After Helping Stranger Online

Minsk Woman Falls Prey to Online Extortion Scheme A 23-year-old Minsk resident recently became the victim of an online extortion scheme, highlighting the growing threat of cybercrime. After assisting a stranger online by providing access to her Apple ID, the victim found her phone locked. A scammer then demanded 1100 rubles for unlocking it. Even after payment, the extortion continued, with the scammer demanding an additional 1400 rubles to unlock her connected smartwatch. When the victim refused further payments, the scammer activated the 'lost mode' on her devices, effectively rendering them unusable. "I immediately contacted the police," the victim stated, her face blurred for privacy reasons. "It was a terrifying experience." A criminal investigation for extortion has been launched. Police are reminding citizens to immediately contact authorities if they are victims of similar crimes. The case serves as a stark warning about the dangers of online interactions and the importance of cybersecurity awareness.