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My friend believes he is being extorted, what is the best course of action?
Anonymous3 views4 answers
Summary: My friend has been accused of entering his friend house (no one was home, door unlocked) and uploading a malicious program onto a computer. The "victim" then contacted my friend and explained that he has cameras in his house and has him on video compromising his computer. He then went on to meet and explain that he no longer trusts said computer and in order for the whole ordeal "to be done" he would like compensation. He is asking for $500 for "repairs". My friend believes he is being extorted. It has been over a month since the alleged incident and no charges have been filed. If my friend refuses to pay for the unreasonable compensation, does the other party have a case? The camera footage has not been verified and may or may not be a bluff.
How should he proceed from here?
How should he proceed from here? Leave it alone, don't pay, document any communication requesting $$, and stop talking to this alleged friend, probably nothing there to report to police. If by the unlikely chance he is contacted by law enforcement, politely decline to make any statements without first consulting with an attorney. Good luck.
I agree with the advise to document this, have no further contact, etc. previously given, however, I would add one caveat. If your friend really did go into the house without permission, whether to mess with the computer or not, that's a crime. He should consult with a local criminal defense lawyer to discuss these ramifications.
Carl Norman Anderson IIIBankruptcy AttorneySalt Lake City, UT ·
The previous attorneys have provided adequate answers. However, it needs to be emphasized that under circumstance should you give any statement, oral or written, to law enforcement. Neither should you answer any questions. If you are contacted, politely inform them that you would be more than happy to answer their questions provided your legal counsel is present. Then contact a local attorney immediately. I cannot stress enough the damage that defendants do to themselves by agreeing to answer questions.
