In June 2022 I was contacted by an entity that called themselves
"Blockchain Network Support Team", apparently from California.
Communication was mainly through TEXTS only (AUDIO ONLY) via Whatsapp and Telegram. The main assigned team member had 4 other "assistants' that I was made aware of and an Accountant (one of the four).
The Company had acquired one of my BITCOIN Accounts, without my authorization or permission in any way.
In the first text message I was told that I have accumulated $1.25Million dollars in my crypto account at JAFXtrade.com.
I verified the information and tried to withdraw some funds. Message
came as "Withdrawal successful- "Pending" status. I was given the same reply on several occasions.
It appeared that the Blockchain Network has somehow acquired (Hacked ?) my account and the demand was that when I pay them a FEE of $16,000.00 they will release the account and transfer the money in USD to my account at the Citibank. I sent the fee, but no transfer was made. in the next two months I was forced to wire transfer all kinds of "named" fees but still they held onto my account. Now the Director is saying that I have to pay $15,284.00 in order for him to release the money. I had already sent them a total to date of $43,200.00.
Desired outcome: Questions:1. Legal entity ?2. Can they lawfully acquire other people's crypto accounts ?3. Isn't this the same as or similar to 'hijacking" or scamming other's accounts without permission ?How does this defer from Blackmail and Ransom?