Becoming a victim of blackmail is most likely at the bottom of people’s fear list. However, with the abundance of social media platforms and ways to communicate online, blackmail has become more prominent than ever. If you are a victim of blackmail and want to learn how to deal with it, keep reading for tips and more.
How do you disarm a blackmailer?
Although professionals and experts should handle blackmail, there are ways for victims to help reduce the blow of the harassment and threats. Here are some tips on what to do if being blackmailed.
The first rule of dealing with a blackmailer is to stay calm and not panic. Blackmailers thrive on creating chaos and confusion, but if you remain composed, you will be better positioned to make smart decisions. Take a deep breath, and try to control your emotions. Blackmailers use fear and intimidation tactics to control and manipulate their victims’ decision-making processes. Don’t let them dictate the situation.
Focus on gathering as much evidence as you can. Screenshot names, phone numbers, social media accounts, and any telling details you can use against your blackmailer. This can help you build your case against your blackmailer and have them charged for the crime.
As much as it may seem like you hold no power in this situation, you do. Blackmailers want something you have, which is your money. To disarm them, you must avoid giving in to their demands for payment or anything else. If you give in to their demands, you only give them more power and encourage them to continue the abuse to see how much more they can get out of you.
Lastly, the best way to disarm your blackmailer is to report them to authorities. Having trained professionals involved will only benefit you in the long run. They can use their expertise to locate and charge your blackmailer, which is the ultimate goal.
What can the police do about blackmail?
It is vital for those affected to know that they have options and that the police and FBI are here to help. If you are being blackmailed, it is crucial to reach out to law enforcement immediately to report the situation. The police have various resources and tactics at their disposal to investigate and address blackmail cases. From conducting surveillance to executing search warrants, the police can work with you to build a comprehensive case against the perpetrator and ensure that justice is served. Remember, you do not have to face blackmail alone.
With the help of the police and FBI agents, there have been rising arrests for sextortion across the U.S., including in other countries such as Lagos, Nigeria, where many sextortion cases stem from. In 2022, the victim of Instagram sextortion, Jordan DeMay, was a 17-year-old from Marquette, Michigan, who died by suicide after three men from Lagos, Nigeria, pretended to be a woman and manipulated De May into sharing a nude photo of himself. The men coerced and harassed DeMay to send $1,000, or else they would expose him to his friends and family on Instagram.
After an investigation by the FBI had taken place, they identified the three men who caused DeMay’s death. Samuel Ogoshi, Samson Ogoshi, and Ezekiel Robert, ages 19 to 22, are set to be extradited to the United States for their sentencing.
How can we help you to stop blackmail?
We at Cyber Investigation strive to assist victims in overcoming blackmail and sextortion. Our team of highly trained forensic analysts specializes in gathering substantial evidence to aid authorities in their investigations. Our proven strategies have yielded successful outcomes in locating and identifying these criminals.
Being blackmailed is a stressful and upsetting experience, but it’s important to remember that you’re not powerless. By staying calm and rational, refusing to negotiate, documenting everything, and seeking help, you can disarm a blackmailer and protect yourself from their threats. Remember, being proactive is the key to overcoming this situation. Don’t take threats lightly; you can come out on top with the right tactics and strategies. Just remember to stay calm, be wise, and report online blackmail.
