Everyone receives their fair share of spam emails. However, if you ever received an email from an unknown sender claiming to have compromising photos or videos of you, with a threat of sharing them with your contacts if you don’t pay a sum, this is a type of scam called “sextortion,” and it is becoming increasingly common today. Such emails aim to extort money by preying on your fear and anxiety. But the question is – should you be worried about a sextortion email is real or not? This blog post will address this question and provide tips for dealing with such scams.
How long does sextortion last?
Sextortion is an ongoing threat with no specific timeframe. The duration of this crime is entirely dependent on the perpetrator’s actions. Unfortunately, some sextortionists can become relentless and perpetuate their harassment for indefinite periods – weeks, months, and even years. The timeframe for resolution can also be impacted by whether or not a victim seeks help and when they do so. It’s essential to take appropriate action to protect yourself and seek help if the harassment doesn’t end.
Can you block a sextortion email?
Yes, you can block a sextortion email; however, that doesn’t mean it will solve all your problems and help end the harassment. These criminals are relentless and will only find other ways to contact you and demand money. They will either create a new email address and keep spamming you with emails or find your social media platforms if they haven’t done so already and threaten you through Facebook, Instagram, etc.
Blocking a sextortion email can also amplify the sextortionist’s anger and encourage them to expose a victim’s private information faster. Most sextortionists will not hesitate to expose their victim’s intimate content to prove to them they are serious. They will promise to delete the content once their ransom is paid; however, that’s usually not true and only a way to get a victim to send money.
Sometimes, when blocked, a sextortionist posts their victim’s content and will continue the exposure until the victim unblocks them and gives in. So, instead of trying to block your harasser in the hopes of making the situation disappear. Reach out for help instead.
Should I Be Worried About a Sextortion Email?
1. Don’t give in to the demands.
Sextortion is a form of blackmail in which the perpetrator threatens to release explicit or compromising material unless the victim complies with their demands. This could be anything from paying a ransom to performing sexual acts, but the key point is that giving in to the demands only makes things worse. Not only are you rewarding the criminal, but they may also continue to harass or manipulate you even if you comply. Instead, it is crucial to seek help as soon as possible.
2. Gather evidence.
If you are a victim of sextortion, it is vital to gather as much evidence as possible. Take screenshots or record conversations that could be used as evidence later. This may help with any legal action you take against the perpetrator, and it could also help prevent other people from becoming victims. If the sextortion occurred through email, you can report them to the email provider.
3. Contact the authorities.
Sextortion is a serious crime, and it is essential to report it to the police or other relevant authorities. They have the expertise and resources to investigate the crime and will be able to advise on what needs to be done. It is essential to provide as much information as possible, including evidence and any other information that could be useful. Some countries have special units that deal with cases like this.
4. Contact a support group.
As a victim of sextortion, you may feel ashamed or embarrassed about what has happened to you. However, it is helpful to remember that you are not alone, and there are people who can support you. Reach out to a support group or helpline that can offer emotional support and practical advice. They can provide you with all-rounded support, often 24/7, for free.
5. Seek professional help.
Sextortion can have long-term effects on a victim’s mental and emotional well-being. If you are struggling to cope with the trauma of sextortion, it may help to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can offer you coping mechanisms and therapy as you heal. There are also pieces of training aimed to educate on cyber safety and ways to protect oneself from such.
How to stop online sextortion?
While not yet universally recognized as a criminal offense, sextortion can result in legal consequences under existing laws involving cyber blackmail, extortion, online harassment, and other related statutes. Nonetheless, we strongly suggest that victims avoid attempting to manage sextortion on their own.
To put an end to this troubling situation, we urge individuals to report sextortion to the authorities and cyber experts who possess the expertise and strategies necessary to address this form of cybercrime. If you need assistance with Email sextortion, call us here at Digital Investigation to get a case started.
Thanks for reading our article “Should I Be Worried About a Sextortion Email”.
