They Tried to Extort Me with a Fake Photo of My Car at a Strip Club — Here’s What Happened

"Hello, I want to play a game. YOU have been a bad little boy."

Sounds like something straight out of a horror movie, right? But this wasn't Hollywood. It was a text message, and attached was a suspiciously realistic photo: a Kia Stinger, the exact color and model, with the correct license plate, parked brazenly outside a neon-lit "XXX GIRLS STRIP CLUB."

The message continued with the chilling demand: "Nobody has to see this picture. It would be a shame if it were sent to you know who… Send $1,000 by midnight tonight, and it will go away quietly, and you will never hear from us again."

The problem? The car owner had never been to a strip club. So, how did these scammers pull off such a convincing, yet completely fabricated, threat?

Source: Reddit

Extortion 2.0: When AI, Deepfakes, and Bad Taste Collide

Welcome to the unsettling era of AI-generated blackmail. Gone are the days when scammers needed actual dirt on you. Now, with powerful tools like AI image generators and readily available data, they just need a bit of public information and a vivid, albeit disturbing, imagination.

You might be surprised how accessible your car's details are online:

• Public vehicle registration databases: Some information can be found in public records.
• Social media photos: That cool shot of your car you posted on Instagram or Facebook? It could provide the exact model, color, and even a glimpse of your license plate.
• Dealership listings or forum posts: Even old listings or forum discussions you've forgotten about can reveal key vehicle details.

From there, it's all pixels and threats. These aren't just isolated incidents. Cyber extortion is a significant and growing threat. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported over 86,000 extortion complaints in 2024, showcasing how rampant these digital shakedowns have become. You can find more details in the FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Report.

At ScamAdviser, we've seen this tactic evolve rapidly. Recently, Paul Raffile has extensively covered these modern sextortion scams in his blog, detailing what you should do when someone threatens to leak your nudes, fake or real. 

The Classic Extortion Playbook, Just with a Deepfaked Kia

This particular scam followed a painfully familiar pattern, albeit with a new high-tech twist:

1. A dramatic threat: "You've been a bad little boy" – cringe-worthy, but designed to shock.
2. A fake but convincing photo: The AI-generated image created a powerful illusion of proof.
3. A tight deadline: Always "midnight," adding a theatrical sense of urgency.
4. A demand for cryptic silence: "You will never hear from us again," preying on the victim's desire for the problem to vanish simply.

But here's the truth: if they had real evidence, they wouldn't be texting like a Bond villain. They'd use it. This entire scheme relies on fear, not facts.

What You Should Do (Besides Laugh at Their Bad Photoshop Skills)

If you receive a message like this, remember: you're in control.

• Don't pay. Ever. This is a digital bluff. Paying them only confirms you're a potential target and encourages more attempts. There's no guarantee they'll stop once they have your money.
• Don't reply. Silence is strength. Engaging with scammers, even to tell them off, can confirm your phone number is active and that you're receptive to their messages.
• Report the number. Contact your local cybercrime unit or anti-fraud center. In the U.S., you can file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Your report helps law enforcement track these criminals and build cases.
• Save the message and photo. This evidence can be crucial for law enforcement investigations.
• Educate yourself on AI threats. The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) notes that impersonation scams, often fueled by AI, are surging. Their 2025 Trends in Identity Report highlights how AI makes it easier for thieves to create convincing content.
• Review your online footprint. Consider your social media privacy settings and what information about your car (or other personal details) might be publicly visible.

Want to dive deeper into how these sophisticated scams work and how to stay ahead? Make sure to read our guide on what to do when someone texts you, “I Have Your Videos.”  

Bottom Line: Your Car Is Not Living a Secret Life

In the evolving world of cybercrime, scams are getting both dumber (the cheesy dialogue!) and smarter (the AI-generated images!). But if your biggest scandal is a poorly edited photo of your Kia "loitering" outside a strip club, you're probably going to be okay.

The global generative AI market was estimated at around $16.87 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow significantly, indicating that we'll likely see more sophisticated digital cons.

Next time someone threatens you with fake photos and bad vibes, remember: scammers aren't in control. You are. And your car's reputation? Still squeaky clean.

Before you click, check with ScamAdviser.com—it’s a quick way to verify websites, phone numbers, crypto wallets, and even IBANs. On mobile? No worries—the ScamAdviser app has you covered 24/7, keeping you safer wherever you browse.