A Mount Pleasant resident has landed in serious trouble after a simple attempt to recover their Roblox account turned into a dangerous situation involving online threats and extortion. Here’s what happened and what others can learn from this cautionary tale.
Trouble Begins After Hiring an ‘Ethical Hacker’
The resident, whose identity has not been made public, had trouble getting help from Roblox’s customer service. So, in frustration, they turned to what seemed like an “ethical hacker” — someone who claims to help recover online accounts legally and safely. They paid this person a $150 deposit to begin the job.
However, within an hour, the resident decided to cancel the work. That’s when the situation turned dark. Instead of simply walking away, the so-called hacker began threatening the resident.
Extortion and Swatting Threats
Soon after the cancellation, the resident started receiving disturbing messages through WhatsApp, email, and SMS. These messages included their personal photos and home address — clear signs that the hacker had access to some of their private information.
The hacker demanded an additional $250 and threatened the resident with “swatting” — a serious and dangerous form of harassment. Swatting involves calling police and falsely reporting crimes like shootings or bomb threats at someone’s address. This leads to armed police or SWAT teams showing up unexpectedly, which can be life-threatening.
The hacker also claimed they would have the FBI sent to the resident’s home and even mentioned targeting the resident’s school.
What is Swatting and Why is it So Dangerous?
Swatting is not just a prank — it’s a criminal act that wastes police time and puts innocent lives at risk. In the US, there have been several high-profile cases where swatting incidents turned deadly. Recently, a group called “Purgatory” has been linked to fake emergency calls at college campuses, causing mass panic.
This type of digital attack is especially harmful because it blends real-world danger with online manipulation. Law enforcement takes these threats seriously and continues to investigate every incident closely.
Police Investigation Underway
The Mount Pleasant Police Department has launched an investigation into the incident. They are treating it as a serious case of criminal extortion and online harassment.
The case highlights how easy it is for people to fall into online traps, even when their intentions are genuine. While trying to get back into a game account, this resident ended up dealing with a dangerous criminal.
How to Stay Safe Online
To avoid falling into similar situations, here are some safety tips:
Never hire hackers, even “ethical” ones – Many operate illegally and can turn against you.
Use official support channels only – Be patient and stick to verified help desks.
Avoid sharing personal info online – Even your phone number or email can be misused.
Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication – This adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts.
Report threats immediately – Contact police and report cyber threats as soon as possible.
This case is a strong reminder of how digital interactions can quickly turn into real-world dangers. What started as a small tech problem turned into a serious threat involving extortion and swatting. It’s a wake-up call for everyone to be more cautious about who they trust online and to always follow safe and legal ways to deal with account issues.
