STRATEGIC DEFENSE: HOW TO MAKE THEM STOP

The constant harassment of calls, text messages, and WhatsApp threats is designed to wear you down until you pay. Here is how to fight back effectively.

For Phone Calls: Use Truecaller Premium

Standard Truecaller helps identify spam calls, but the Premium version provides superior protection:

• Install Truecaller Premium on your device
• Enable the auto-block feature for spam and suspected fraud calls
• Add the numbers that have been harassing you to your personal block list
• The premium version actively blocks calls before they ring, eliminating the disruption to your day

The investment in Truecaller Premium is worth every penny for the peace of mind it provides.

For WhatsApp: Strategic Pushback

WhatsApp harassment requires a different approach because these predators often use multiple numbers and group chats to reach you. Here is the strategy:

Step One: Do Not Read or Open Messages

Every time you open a message, WhatsApp shows them the dreaded "blue checkmarks" indicating you have seen it. This encourages them to continue. When they see you are not reading, many will eventually give up.

Step Two: Use a Scripted Response

If the harassment continues, send this exact message, then block the number:

"I am documenting all communications for submission to the FCCPC, CBN, and Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Unit. Any further messages constitute criminal harassment. Do not contact me again. All further communications will be treated as evidence."

This message serves multiple purposes:

• It informs them you are not an easy target who will panic and pay
• It shows you know your rights and the regulatory framework
• It puts them on notice that you are collecting evidence
• It often causes them to move on to someone they perceive as more vulnerable

Step Three: Block and Report

After sending the scripted message:

• Block the number immediately
• Report the WhatsApp account to WhatsApp as spam
• Do not engage further. Do not argue. Do not negotiate.

For SMS Text Messages:

• Block each number as they appear
• Most Android phones have built-in spam protection for SMS
• Do not reply to any text messages, even to "stop" or "unsubscribe" – replying confirms your number is active

The Long Game: Silence Works

These predators operate on volume. They have hundreds or thousands of victims at any given time. When you become more trouble than you are worth – when you do not respond to threats, when you do not pay, when you block their numbers, when you threaten regulatory action – they will move on to easier targets.

What Not to Do:

• Do not engage in conversation or negotiation – this signals that their harassment is working
• Do not pay small amounts hoping they will stop – they will only demand more
• Do not threaten to pay "later" – they will mark you as a potential payer and intensify harassment
• Do not give them any additional information about your situation