Not surprising to me. Extortions like this have been going on as long as I can remember, with the 'bullet scam", also known as “laglag bala” or “tanim bala" being the latest vehicle du jour.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/130...#ixzz3pvRjessR

Is there a defense? Not really, other than to shine light on the situation. But that only works if you've got nothing to lose.