Let's talk about what is ostensibly a crime a violence, but is also a fraud - the badger trap (more on this name in a future post).
This is the most basic type of fraud - a person is placed in a compromising position, pictures (or some other type of recording) is made, and the victim is blackmailed. The victim is threatened that unless money is paid, the compromising pictures or recordings will be published.
The fact that it may be a crime of violence is obvious - many times these types of extortion schemes involve criminal elements and organized crime that will use violence to make certain the "mark" pays. But, let's look at this scheme from the beginning. Just like any good fraud, it requires a planning scheme and the use of psychology and human nature to succeed.
As we begin this conversation, I advise watching the movie "X-Men II - X Men United." In the movie, the shapeshifting mutant Mystique (played by the ever-watchable Rebecca Romijn) disguises herself as a beautiful woman to seduce the guard that is watching Magneto, the primary nemesis of the films. When Magneto is able to escape because the guard was seduced, Magneto points out to the guard: "when a beautiful woman is interested in someone like YOU - you should definitely be skeptical."
Words to live by.
This is the most basic type of fraud - a person is placed in a compromising position, pictures (or some other type of recording) is made, and the victim is blackmailed. The victim is threatened that unless money is paid, the compromising pictures or recordings will be published.
The fact that it may be a crime of violence is obvious - many times these types of extortion schemes involve criminal elements and organized crime that will use violence to make certain the "mark" pays. But, let's look at this scheme from the beginning. Just like any good fraud, it requires a planning scheme and the use of psychology and human nature to succeed.
As we begin this conversation, I advise watching the movie "X-Men II - X Men United." In the movie, the shapeshifting mutant Mystique (played by the ever-watchable Rebecca Romijn) disguises herself as a beautiful woman to seduce the guard that is watching Magneto, the primary nemesis of the films. When Magneto is able to escape because the guard was seduced, Magneto points out to the guard: "when a beautiful woman is interested in someone like YOU - you should definitely be skeptical."
Words to live by.
NOTE: THE INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE NOR IS IT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE. IF THE READER HAS ANY LEGAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE REFER TO AN ATTORNEY.
Have a great and fraud-free day.
----------à>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>gene tausk
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