'Hitman / Someone Paid Me to Hurt You' Threat
A message claims someone hired the sender to harm you, but they'll call it off if you pay — a frightening but empty extortion sent to many people.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
You receive a chilling message saying a person has been paid to hurt or kill you, and the sender will spare you if you pay them (usually crypto) and stay silent. It may include a few personal details from public data to seem credible. There is no hitman; these are mass-sent extortion messages designed to terrify you into paying. Real threats are handled by police, not by paying an emailer.
What it usually looks like
- A message claiming you're targeted by a paid attacker.
- An offer to 'call it off' for payment.
- Crypto or gift-card demands and secrecy.
- Maybe a few public details about you.
Common warning signs
- Extortion framed as a life threat.
- Payment demanded to be 'spared.'
- Instructions to tell no one.
- Generic, fear-driven wording.
Example wording scammers use
“I was hired to hurt you, but I can let it go. Send $5,000 in Bitcoin and tell no one, or it happens.”
“You have 24 hours to pay for your safety.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- A fear-driven crypto/gift-card payment.
- Your silence.
- To exploit terror.
This is general safety information, not professional advice. It is not legal, financial, medical, or immigration advice, and it does not create a professional relationship. For your own situation, speak with a qualified professional or the official organisation involved. If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency number.
What to do
- Do not pay or reply; it's a mass extortion, not a real threat.
- Save the message and, if you feel unsafe, contact local police.
- Do not keep it secret out of fear — tell someone you trust.
- Report it.
What to do if you already responded
- If you are overwhelmed or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, US) — it is free, 24/7, and confidential.
- Stop paying; contact local police if you have any safety concern.
- Report to the FBI at ic3.gov and reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Preserve the messages.