BLACKMAIL HELPLINE!
You Don’t Have to Handle This Alone. Let Trusted Experts Stand by Your Side

Blackmail occurs when a cybercriminal threatens to publicize their target’s personal information unless they meet specific demands. The blackmailer’s demand may vary — including more sensitive information, requested actions, or financial compensation. Regardless, the potential for harm remains the same. No matter what they ask for, you should never comply with a blackmailer. Here are the most common forms of online blackmail:

Sextortion. In this form of blackmail, a criminal acquires a victim’s explicit images or videos through either social engineering or gaining unauthorized access. Then, the perpetrator will threaten to publicly expose the content unless the victim complies with the blackmailer’s demands.

Ransomware. This form of blackmail involves malware that locks or encrypts files, data, or systems. Criminals will then demand a ransom payment in exchange for restoring the owner’s access. This form of blackmail will usually come with a message, either on the file or transmitted by the perpetrator post-infection.

The best defense against blackmail is to prevent it before it starts. The following practices can help you do just that:

• Utilize Privacy Settings.Use heightened security settings when engaging in online activity. Set your profiles to private and limit who can reach you online.
• Avoid Oversharing.There is some information that just doesn’t need to be shared. Avoid giving out personal information like your location, place of employment, and financial data.
• Vet Your Connections. A high follower count is appealing, but you shouldn’t let just anyone follow you. Unless you are using your accounts for business, it’s best to limit your online connections to people you know.
• Trust Your Gut. Blackmailers are crafty and often plan their attacks down to the minutiae. If you notice even the smallest red flag, it’s best to be safe and end the conversation.

If your situation has progressed past the point of prevention, all hope is not lost. There are steps to take — such as knowing how to report blackmail to the appropriate agencies and avoiding compliance — that are essential to determining how the situation will end. Consider the following suggestions when taking your initial steps to combat blackmail:

• Don’t Indulge the Blackmailer. Meeting the demands of a blackmailer will not make them go away. In fact, it will only inspire them to keep coming back. Cut off communication but avoid blocking them until you’ve properly investigated the incident.

• Collect Evidence of the Crime. Take screenshots of profiles, messages, and any other relevant information that can help recreate the timeline of the incident. You will need this data to illustrate the crime if you choose to take legal action against the blackmailer.

• Report Blackmail to the Authorities. You should file a police report with your local precinct. Next, inform the FBI by filing a report through the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

• Report Blackmail Online. It’s also important to report blackmail online where the crime occurred, such as a social media or dating platform. The online platform may take action against the perpetrator’s account.

• Seek Support. Other than online blackmail reporting, try to seek emotional support. You can talk to trusted friends, family, or counselors. Support groups can guide you through the reporting process and offer emotional support. Remember, sextortion is never your fault. You’re not alone, and many people worldwide have experienced it.

You should report the blackmailer to the online platform where the crime occurred. You will want to document their account information as well as threatening messages to support your report. This evidence will also be critical if you choose to pursue legal action.

You should also inform law enforcement. With the evidence you’ve collected, file a police report by either going into your local station or contacting them online or over the phone. Furthermore, notify the FBI by filing a report at your local field house or online through the IC3.

Unfortunately, there is a chance. Cybercriminals are unpredictable and often act irrationally when they feel confronted. Your response to the threat, as well as your identity, can influence the chances of a blackmailer carrying out their threats.

Factors That May Lead a Blackmailer to Follow Through:

• High-profile targets, such as celebrities, public figures, and those with a large net worth and considerable public influence.
• Targets who respond to threats with either a willingness to comply or, inversely, extreme confrontation.

Factors That May Deter a Blackmailer from Following Through:

• Risk of losing leverage over the situation by releasing the content they are leveraging in their scheme.
• Fear of getting caught, whether it’s due to committing additional criminal action or your collaboration with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts.

Our experts know how to gather and analyze data in coordination with efforts to identify the blackmailer and remove their leverage. We use proprietary techniques like metadata analysis and IP-to-location to derive data that can be used to develop informed response efforts.

The entire investigation is documented in a manner intended to preserve evidentiary integrity. Furthermore, we can assist in coordinating with a law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction to pursue your blackmailer.

When it comes to online blackmail, our team is familiar with how these schemes unfold. We have over a decade of experience helping our clients protect their personal information. Our expert investigation can help you gather evidence that can support your efforts to hold the perpetrator accountable. Contact our Blackmail Helpline 24/7 to speak with a specialist and get started.