Solve the Story Episode 5: The Doxx
The pressure intensifies as Misha struggles with fear, anger and who she can trust.
When Sam traces the doxxing back to The Swerve, a mysterious DM arrives claiming to reveal the truth. But before they can piece it all together, things take a frightening turn. Misha starts receiving calls and messages from strangers.
SAM:Previously on Solve the Story…
INFLUENCER: Feels like this whole thing isn't dying down anytime soon.
MISHA: It's ruining my life.
AARON: They're just using you to get people mad at the park.
MISHA: What are you looking at?
SAM: Made you look quite angry, like the kind of person that'd do what the video shows. We make our own video.
MISHA: My name is Misha, but this isn't me. The video is a deep fake, and we've been trying to get to the bottom of who posted it and why.
SAM: It's blowing up.
AARON: There's a few negative comments coming in, too.
MISHA: They're all from the same account.
(SOFT, INTRIGUING MUSIC)
SAM: It's just loads of writing.
SAM: Yeah, that's just the source code. It tells the web browser what to show you. Text, photos, buttons.
AARON: What are we looking for?
SAM: I'm not quite sure yet. Look at these lines here. ‘Land purchase, public space construction.’ And then look at this line here. It says, ‘Reputation management,’ and then, ‘Public relations’. What does that even mean?
SAM: Well, a PR firm's basically there to just make people look good and make sure everyone likes them. And then reputation management — that's just about keeping your image clean.
MISHA: So, The Swerve is a PR firm?
SAM: Mish…Don’t freak out. All your details have been leaked.
(PHONE RINGING)
MISHA: Unknown number.
AARON: Answer it. It could be all the fake accounts we’ve reported.
MISHA: Hello?
CALLER: Oh wow, the number was real. You’re the girl from the video.
MISHA: But how did you get my number?
CALLER: That clip was savage. You’ve got to work on that rage.
MISHA: What was that?
SAM: So, Misha’s been doxed. What would you do if the same happened to you? Take a look at the options here and choose the actions you would take to help us out.
(PENSIVE MUSIC)
AARON: Is your phone off?
MISHA: Yeah.
SAM: Good. Because your phone number, email and home address have all been leaked.
AARON: Mish, you need to report this, it’s not okay.
SAM: I’ve reported the account already. They’re clearly just mad about our video. Look at the top comment. “Find out the truth yourself – skater details incoming.”
MISHA: Who’s mad about the video? Who leaked my details?
SAM: I’m going to find out.
AARON: Don’t worry, I’ll go.
SAM: I’ll message you if I find anything.
AARON: Mish! Mish! Mish, wait up! What are you doing?
MISHA: I need to block those numbers.
AARON: You’re handling this really well, by the way.
MISHA: “Well”? Are you kidding me? Do you not know how much this is upsetting me?
AARON: Sorry.
MISHA: I just need to figure out what I’m going to do.
AARON: What does your mum say?
MISHA: I haven’t told her. I kept thinking it would blow over. I didn’t want to freak her out.
AARON: Mish, she needs to know.
(SOFT MUSIC)
SAM: Alright…Where’s this account been generated? Okay. That’s the same as…Got ya!
(MESSAGES BLEEPING)
MISHA: There’s so many.
AARON: We just need to start blocking them one by one. Give me your phone, I’ll do it. You go through your inbox and start blocking any email you need to.
(PHONE RINGING)
SAM: I traced that account. It’s coming straight from The Swerve — it’s definitely them.
AARON: Do you know where they’re based?
SAM: Other side of the country.
MISHA: Wait, what? So why are they targeting me?
SAM: No clue. It’s got to be something to do with their reputation and image. They’re trying to control it from having their reputation ruined, but why…I don’t know.
MISHA: I’ve got something here. There’s a DM. It says, “This is who is responsible for the video and the campaign against you.”I got one like this the other day, too.
SAM: Well, who’s it from?
MISHA: I don’t know. There’s an attachment. I’ll open it.
SAM & AARON: Don’t! Don’t!
SAM: Don’t open it. Don’t click anything, Misha — it could be a scam. That’s how they hack you. I’m coming over. Don’t open it.
MISHA: I’m going to go talk to my mum about everything.
AARON: Good idea.
SAM: We’re close. It looks like The Swerve are behind the video and the campaign against Misha. They’re a PR agency — but who are they representing, and why?
In the meantime, we need to work out if this DM is a scam or not. Head over to the Other Side of the Story website and watch the How to spot and avoid a phishing scam video.
Then take a look at the list of suspicious messages and decide which ones might be safe to open.
Episode takeaways
In this episode, you will:
- Learn about doxxing and why it’s dangerous
- Recognise how personal data can be leaked online
- Spot warning signs of scams, unsafe links, and suspicious DMs
Key points to think about:
- How doxxing can be more serious than online comments or rumours?
- How can fear and anger affect decision-making online?
- What should you do if your personal information is shared without consent?
How to: Spot and avoid a phishing scam
Phishing scams are messages sent by scammers trying to trick you into giving away passwords, personal details, or downloading a dodgy file that can steal information from your device.
In this video, you’ll learn how to recognise phishing scams and protect yourself online.
JAMES: How to spot and avoid a phishing scam.
Phishing scams are messages from scammers trying to trick you into giving up your passwords or downloading a dodgy filethat may be able to access or steal information from your device.
They often pop up in your emails or DMs, but they’re easy to spot if you know a few red flags.
First, check the sender’s email address or profile properly.
The display name might look legit. The actual address is often a giveaway.
Check for typos, random numbers, or an unusual ending to the email address.
Secondly, look for urgent or threatening language. Scammers want you to panic and act without thinking.
Messages like, “Your account will be deleted,” or, “You’ve won — claim your prize now,” are typical examples.
Finally, be cautious with attachments and links. Unexpected files or links can contain malware, which is software designed to damage your computer or steal your personal information.
Never open a file you didn’t ask for, no matter how real or important the message looks.
Real organisations like banks or schools will never ask for personal details over emails or DMs.
If it feels off, just delete it. Or ask a trusted adult for their opinion about whether it’s real or not.
(MUSIC)
If a message doesn’t feel right, check for these red flags:
- Look closely at the sender’s email address or profile and not just the display name
- Watch out for spelling mistakes, random numbers, or unusual email endings
- Be wary of urgent or threatening language designed to make you panic
- Think twice before clicking links or opening unexpected attachments
Classroom Film: What your digital footprint says about you
Our online actions don’t just disappear, they add up. Every like, search, comment, and post contributes to a digital footprint that shapes how others see us now and in the future.
This film helps students understand what a digital footprint is and why it matters, encouraging them to think carefully about the consequences of their online behaviour.
Watch this video to find out what your digital footprint says about you.
You can find more teacher notes and classroom resources on our Bitesize for Teachers Solve the Story page.
JAMES: What does your online profile really say about you?
Every like, every search, every share — it all leaves a trace.
Today, we're exploring how your digital life shapes your identity and why it matters.
(MUSIC)
We'll look at how to stay safe and respectful in online spaces.
Ultimately, this is about giving you the tools to protect your digital identity and understand the consequences your digital actions may have.
Let's start by becoming digital detectives.
On screen, you'll see Misha's online day.
Your task is to identify every single action that leaves a digital trace.
Which of these moments becomes a permanent part of her digital footprint and which, if any, do not.
After identifying Misha's online traces, think about which of your own actions leave an online footprint and how they shape the way others might see you.
(MUSIC)
The answer is quite surprising.
Everything on the list leaves a digital trace. Even reading a news article without logging on leaves a trail of data that can be collected.
Nearly every click contributes to your digital footprint, which algorithms use to build a profile about you, sometimes creating a biased echo chamber — an online digital bubble on social media where you only see content that you agree with or like.
Being a good digital citizen means being mindful of these traces and being respectful online.
Another serious responsibility comes with what you share.
Once you send or post a photo or video, you lose all control. It can be copied, shared, and altered. If you are ever worried about an image that has been shared, you can get help.
Talk to a teacher, a trusted adult, or use the report buttons on the app.
You will not be in trouble for asking for help.
Now, let's think about identity.
I want you to create a fictional digital persona.
Detail their online habits, what social media apps they use, sites they visit, and any other digital activities they do, such as uploading videos and pics, commenting, or posting on sites.
You'll then swap your digital persona with someone else and explore their digital footprint and what it makes you think about them as a person.
(MUSIC)
By evaluating a fictional persona, you can reflect on your own digital identity.
Our online actions are permanent, and being a respectful digital citizen comes with serious ethical and legal responsibilities.
Always think before you post, be kind, and know where to go for help.
Your digital footprint is your story. Make sure it's one you're proud to tell.
If you need support
You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.
If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are more links to helpful organisations on the BBC Bitesize Action Line page for young people.
