Awareness is the knowledge or perception of a situation. Approximately 1 in 16 people are subjected to blackmail in their lifetime. According to the FBI’s internet crime reports from 2015 to 2021, $368,284,871 were lost to cyber criminals. Victims have reported the highest average loss to be around $2.5k per victim. So, what to do if someone is blackmailing you online?
If you have been the victim of online blackmail, you may feel scared and helpless. You may not know what to do or where to turn for help. This blog post will provide some tips on how to deal with online blackmail and get the help you need. Remember, you are not alone and there is help available. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support to stop blackmail.
What is Online Blackmail?
Blackmail is a form of extortion where someone threatens to reveal compromising or embarrassing information about you unless you meet their demands. This can be a frightening experience, especially if the person blackmailing you has personal information that could damage your reputation or relationships.
What To Do If Someone Blackmails You Online With Photos
Let’s say a stranger added you on social media. They started up a conversation and quickly gained your trust. After a while, you exchanged explicit information with each other. Suddenly the threats start pouring in. Some examples of these threats are below:
- Photoshopped images
- Screenshots of friends and followers
- Pictures of Significant other’s accounts
- Family member’s information
This can cause physical and mental damage beyond irreparable repair. If someone is blackmailing you online, here are some steps to take to protect yourself.
Steps:
- Do not Pay your Blackmailer! There is no guarantee that they will leave you alone and most of the time will just ask for more money.
- Do not block them! This can make your Suspect more aggressive! Instead, try and stall them or delay until you can get some help!
- Document everything! Make sure you hold onto the evidence.
- Report the criminal right away! File a police report with local law enforcement and report the crime online to the FBI. Blackmail is a federal crime.
How to Stop Someone Blackmailing You Online
Unlike most authorities, blackmail specialists can handle cases in a relatively short amount of time, and they have the resources and strategies to end harassment quickly. It is crucial that victims gather as much evidence as possible and seek assistance. 1 in 3 Victims are choosing to stay silent and are not seeking help.
Blackmail is a serious crime that can have lasting impacts on both the victim and the perpetrator. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to take action quickly to protect your reputation and privacy by starting a case today with Digital Investigation. The best way to deal with blackmail is to seek legal help immediately. Our team of experts is experienced in online security and can help you get through this difficult time. Have you been a victim of blackmail? Let us know how we can help in the comments below.
