PROJECT: VICTIMS OF PARANOIA

Isabel Spies
Sep 1
6 min read

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Mr. Mike Bolhuis, a specialist investigator in serious violent, economic, and cybercrime of Specialised Security Services,

is contacted on a regular basis by victims of paranoia.

These individuals are often deeply distressed, convinced that someone is following them,

monitoring their devices, or plotting against them.

While in some cases their fears stem from genuine threats, in many instances they are the result of anxiety,

past trauma, or psychological conditions that distort their perception of reality.

SYMPTOMS:

Paranoia is more than just being suspicious—it is an intense and often irrational mistrust or fear of others.
Symptoms can vary in severity, but common ones include:
EMOTIONAL AND THOUGHT-RELATED SYMPTOMS:
- Persistent belief that others are watching, spying, or talking about you.
- Thinking people are plotting to harm, deceive, or betray you—even without evidence.
- Interpreting harmless remarks, gestures, or events as personal threats or insults.
- Strong feelings of distrust, suspicion, or fear that are hard to challenge with logic.
- Hypervigilance (constantly on guard and scanning for danger).
BEHAVIOURAL SYMPTOMS:
- Withdrawal or isolation from friends, family, or colleagues.
- Avoidance of social situations due to fear of judgment or harm.
- Defensive, hostile, or aggressive reactions to perceived threats.
- Difficulty relaxing or letting go of suspicions.
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS (LINKED TO STRESS AND ANXIETY FROM PARANOIA):
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia, restless sleep).
- Increased heart rate, sweating, or agitation when around others.
- Fatigue from constant worry.
IN SEVERE CASES:
- Fixed delusional beliefs (paranoid delusions), such as being monitored by government agencies, poisoned, or targeted by conspiracies.
- Hallucinations (less common, but possible in psychotic disorders like schizophrenia).
Paranoia can appear as a symptom of several conditions, such as paranoid personality disorder, delusional disorder, schizophrenia, substance abuse, or even extreme stress and trauma.

SSS DEALS WITH A WIDE RANGE OF SUCH CASES:

CYBER MONITORING FEARS:
- Victims often report that their phones or computers are "hacked," that hidden cameras or microphones are in their homes, or that strangers are spying on their online activity.
- While cybercrime is a serious reality in South Africa, many of these cases reveal no evidence of intrusion, but rather anxiety heightened by sensational reports of hacking.
PERCEIVED STALKERS:
- Some clients believe they are constantly followed by unknown vehicles or individuals.
- They may change their daily routes, avoid public places, or isolate themselves socially.
- In a few cases, legitimate stalking has been uncovered, but more often the “patterns” victims notice are coincidental, feeding an unhealthy cycle of fear.
FINANCIAL TARGETING CONCERNS:
- In the climate of fraud and scams, victims sometimes become convinced that banks, employers, or even family members are colluding to steal from them.
- Such suspicions can damage relationships and cause unnecessary conflict, even when no evidence supports the claims.
CONSPIRATORIAL BELIEFS:
- A smaller but more complex group of victims believe they are targeted by powerful organisations, secret societies, or government agencies.
- These cases are often the most difficult to address, as the fears are deeply entrenched and resistant to reassurance or evidence.

South Africa’s high levels of crime and corruption fuel such paranoia.

Daily exposure to news of hijackings, kidnappings, cyber fraud, and scams makes it extremely difficult

for ordinary people to separate real threats from imagined ones. Criminal syndicates and scammers exploit this fear,

manipulating vulnerable individuals into paying for unnecessary “protection” or “counter-surveillance” services.

OPPORTUNISTS EXPLOITING THE VULNERABLE:

Many victims of paranoia also fall prey to opportunists posing as security consultants or "cyber experts."
These individuals exploit the fear of their clients by:
- Selling fake electronic "bug detectors" or devices they claim will block surveillance.
- Offering bogus cyber-cleanup services that achieve nothing but charge exorbitant fees.
- Pretending to conduct "surveillance detection" or "counter-espionage sweeps" without any technical knowledge or equipment.
- Exploiting victims financially by continually feeding their paranoia and convincing them that they are always under threat.
Such opportunists drain victims financially and reinforce their fears, trapping them in a cycle of paranoia.
This is why victims should always approach accredited, recognised professionals—individuals with proven expertise and integrity who will separate fact from fiction and refer cases to mental health specialists when appropriate.

PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR THE PUBLIC:

Victims of paranoia are vulnerable both to their own fears and to opportunists who exploit them.
The following checklist can help individuals and families respond wisely:
RED FLAGS TO IDENTIFY FAKE "SECURITY CONSULTANTS":
- They demand upfront cash payments without providing clear contracts or service breakdowns.
- They sell or advertise gadget-like devices that supposedly block or detect surveillance (these are usually fake).
- They refuse to provide verifiable credentials, references, or company registration details.
- They fuel paranoia by insisting that "you are definitely under threat" without evidence.
- They discourage you from seeking second opinions or push for ongoing unnecessary “sweeps.”
WHEN TO APPROACH A SECURITY SPECIALIST:
- You notice consistent suspicious behaviour, such as being followed or contacted by strangers with inside knowledge.
- There is evidence of cyber intrusion, such as compromised accounts, strange logins, or financial fraud.
- You or your family are directly threatened, harassed, or blackmailed.
- You require independent verification to confirm whether a threat is real or imagined.
WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGICAL HELP:
- Fear and suspicion become constant, overwhelming, and disruptive to daily life.
- You withdraw from friends, family, or work because of perceived threats.
- You feel anxious, sleepless, or unable to concentrate owing to fear of being watched.
- Investigations reveal no evidence of threats, yet you remain convinced of danger.
PRACTICAL FIRST STEPS BEFORE PANIC SETS IN:
- Document concerns and keep a simple, factual record of what you see or experience.
- Verify calmly by checking unusual activity with banks, service providers, or IT specialists before assuming hacking.
- Avoid impulsive spending on unverified “solutions” or gadgets.
- Consult trusted professionals with proven credentials ( in security and mental health).
- Lean on family support: Involving loved ones can prevent isolation and help with perspective.

When victims of paranoia turn to Specialised Security Services, they seek certainty, reassurance, and solutions.

Every case is investigated with professionalism, and where genuine threats exist, such as actual hacking attempts or stalking behaviour, decisive action is taken. However, when no threat is found, victims are treated with dignity and compassion.

In many of these cases, the appropriate intervention is psychological support, therapy, and family involvement,

rather than security operations.

Paranoia is a powerful reminder of how crime and fear affect the human mind.

In South Africa, the blurred line between danger and perception creates fertile ground for distress.

Effective intervention demands investigative expertise and sensitivity, understanding, and a willingness

to work alongside mental health professionals to restore a victim’s sense of safety.

CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.

ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.

Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.

This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.

How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:

1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.

2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:

- https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VarjftF8PgsI4pODE929

3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.

4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)

Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za

Fax: 086 585 4924

Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -

https://www.facebook.com/MikeBolhuisOfficial

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.

STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.

POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv