Yes. The cartel thing is a scam. However, blackmail is real and I’ve heard stories. With your cell phone number there are services that cost a few dollars and you can find your name, address, age and spouses name.
So now it’s “pay me $$$ Jack Smith of 123 Evergreen Terrace or I’m forwarding your text messages arranging a date at the Holiday Inn to your wife Petunia”.
So now it’s “pay me $$$ Jack Smith of 123 Evergreen Terrace or I’m forwarding your text messages arranging a date at the Holiday Inn to your wife Petunia”.