Report Online Extortion and Get Expert Help to Stop It

Online extortion is a polymorphic cybercrime. Although the underlying concept remains the same, it transforms into multiple forms depending on the source of communication and method of extortion. No matter how the extortion is carried out, in every case, Cyber Investigation can trace the origin of these digital threats. Whether it involves anonymous accounts, crypto exchanges, or cyberattacks, we can help you in the investigation, reporting, and recovery of online extortion.
At Cyber Investigation, we have seen several recurring patterns of extortion across cases. Here’s a summarized list:

• Bitcoin or Cryptocurrency extortion emails. In this type of online extortion, the perpetrators often get access to financially revealing information about their victims. This sensitive data may include official business secrets, sealed legal documents, or falsified evidence. Extortionists get this data through illegal means such as hacking or forgery. They force their victims to transfer cryptocurrency in exchange for their silence. Given the lack of knowledge and governance regarding cryptocurrency, victims may feel an overwhelming sense of helplessness, believing their funds are irretrievable. But with the right forensic tools, we can help you trace the lost funds and digital footprint of the extortionists.
• Reputational or social media threats. For this type of online extortion, the extortionist would hold their victims’ public image over their head and threaten to tarnish it. They may threaten their victims with unlawful legal cases, fraudulent reviews, and false allegations in exchange for money or personal favors. They often make multiple fake accounts across different social media platforms to follow through with their threats. This scam directly impacts a person’s business and public reputation, as rumors can spread quickly.
• Data or file-based extortion. In this type of extortion, the attackers may gain access to your personally identifiable information (PII), such as your Social Security number, home address, intellectual properties, or confidential documents. They make demands by threatening to expose your data to the public. This type of extortion targets individuals, professionals, and businesses alike.
• Professional or small-business extortion. This extortion method overlaps with reputational threat extortion and follows the same pattern. The only difference is that this scam only targets businesses. Extortionists target small or newly established businesses. They often make demands for free products and payments and threaten their victims with fake online reviews and false lawsuits. The perpetrators in this type of extortion work in close-knit teams.
• Impersonation and identity-based extortion. In this online extortion technique, the perpetrators present themselves as government or banking officials. They usually target elderly citizens or people with limited financial knowledge. The victims often receive a call from a presumed “government official”, such as an IRS officer or taxation manager. The “officials” inform them of false pending taxes and threaten their victims with jail time. Then they persuade their victims into sharing personal bank details or ask them to give remote access to their computers. Once the victim gives access or credentials, the extortionist would drain their accounts.
• Cyberattacks and ransomware. This extortion technique is the basis for most of the techniques we discussed above. Extortionists often obtain access to their victims’ data through cyberattacks. These attacks include unethical hacking, SQL injections, or cross-site scripting (XSS). After gaining access to the data through cyberattacks, the extortionist may utilize doxxing, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), or ransomware to force their victims into paying.

Online extortion, also known as cyber extortion, is one of the most widespread cybercrimes today. It occurs when an attacker, through digital means, threatens individuals or a business with the disclosure of sensitive information or disruption of services in exchange for monetary gain.

People of all ages, genders, and professional backgrounds are potential targets of online extortion. While the exploitation of sensitive information is mostly digital and data is mostly gathered via online means, these threats can also become physical.

To be very clear, online extortion is not the same as blackmail or sextortion. It’s a much broader form of scam and may include these crimes under its umbrella, but it’s not limited to it. One example of online extortion is ransomware, where an attacker encrypts the victim’s data in exchange for money.

Online extortion involves financial pressure, threats to expose documents, permanent loss of data, or attempts to ruin a victim’s online presence unless they comply. They often rush their victims into making emotionally driven decisions under panic. As a result, victims often suffer long-term financial losses and emotional trauma.

It is understandable to feel a sense of panic if you receive these types of threats. But keeping a cool head and making a quick, educated decision matters. Extortionists rely on fear and confusion. Additionally, there is no assurance that they won’t intensify the threat if you pay promptly. So, it is better to stay calm and collected, engaging professional help rather than facing this alone.

Cyber Investigation assists clients in handling cyber extortion safely, discreetly, and with a clear plan. We provide online assistance to preserve evidence, investigate the attack, and expose the identity of the perpetrators in order to prevent further harm.

If you receive a financial threat, a cryptocurrency demand, or are facing ongoing harassment, you must involve law enforcement. The FBI IC3 handles all digital crimes, especially if the offender appears to be overseas or part of a larger operation. Your local police or cybercrime division can also open a case, particularly when there are repeated offenses or potential data leaks.

Cyber Investigation prepares detailed case files that support FBI extortion reporting and police involvement.

Don’t delete evidence. Don’t communicate or negotiate with extortionists. Do not pay any amount of money. Don’t provide extra personal or business details. Seek professional guidance to stop the escalation and protect yourself.

Long-press the extortion message that you received or tap three dots next to it. Select “Report”, then select “Bullying or Harassment”, and then proceed with the given steps. You can report the perpetrator’s account by following the same steps after opening their account. 

Find the message or profile of the extortionist. Click the three dots or “Options” menu and select “Report”. Choose the most appropriate reason, such as “Harassment” or “Violation of my privacy”. 

Report through the user’s profile or chat settings. Choose “Threats” or “Safety Concern.” Take screenshots of anything that may disappear.

To report extortion to the FBI, go to the FBI IC3 website and select “File a complaint” from the top navigation bar. Accept the terms of service (ToC) and proceed to the complaint form. Fill out the form with the best of your knowledge and attach all documented evidence. Sign the privacy agreement and press submit.

Go to your local law enforcement office and inquire about cybercrime reporting. Follow the steps and guidelines that you receive. Bring printed or digital evidence, along with a timeline of the events. Local police can escalate the case to cyber units if needed.

Do not reply to extortion email threats. Preserve the message, secure your accounts, and contact Cyber Investigation. We can analyze the email, trace origins, and guide you safely.