Last Updated on July 7, 2023
Online sextortion is becoming, if not already, a significant problem in today’s online culture. Victims of all ages are targeted online through popular social media platforms, dating apps, streaming websites, etc. The most important thing we need to do now as a society is learn how to stop online sextortion and teach the public how to protect themselves from becoming victims. This blog will give you insight into navigating such a devious crime.
Should you pay the sextortion fee?
Victims of sextortion often fall into the trap of paying a fee to make the problem go away. However, the truth is that paying off these criminals only fuels their greed and encourages them to ask for more. They use deceptive tactics to manipulate victims into thinking that paying will make their content disappear and the criminal will never surface again. This is just a tactic to extort money from their victims.
Once a payment is sent, many blackmailers will send fake videos as proof of them deleting their victims’ content. The video will either be obscured or show the content being deleted. However, in many computers, once a document is deleted, it will sit in the trash or recycling bin for a number of days before it gets permanently deleted. This means that even though your blackmailer has shown you that they have deleted your content, that doesn’t mean they didn’t go to their trash bin to recover it, which most of them do.
After they have shown “proof” of deletion, your blackmailer will either immediately begin to ask for more money or disappear for a few days causing you to think that they are finally gone but return with more threats and demands for money. Either way, it is never a good idea to pay your sextortionist off; it only causes an endless cycle of broken promises and abuse.
How to report sextortion online
Reporting sextortion is crucial not only for your safety but also for preventing others from being victimized. The good news is that various online resources can guide you through the reporting process. From hotlines to online reporting forms, these resources can help you take the necessary steps toward justice and recovery. Here are some steps to take in your plan or recovery.
Step 1: Gather Evidence
If you are being extorted for sexual content, collecting as much evidence as possible is imperative. Save any messages, photos, or videos sent by the perpetrator.
Step 2: Contact the Appropriate Law Enforcement Agency
Once you have collected evidence, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency. Contact your local police department or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). When you report the crime, provide any evidence you have collected, including screenshots and messages. Provide as much detail as possible to help investigators understand the situation.
Step 3: Contact the Platform Where the Sextortion is Occurring
If the sextortion occurs on social media or other online platforms, reporting the behavior to that platform is necessary. You can often report this behavior within the app or website itself. The platform will then investigate the situation and take action towards what they see goes against their policies.
Step 4: Seek Support
Sextortion can be a traumatic experience, and it is beneficial to seek support if you are a victim. Several resources are available for help, including sextortion helplines and online support groups. You can also speak with a counselor or therapist if you don’t feel comfortable confiding in family or friends. Taking care of your mental health as you navigate reporting the crime is critical.
Conclusion
Sextortion can be a tough and traumatic crime to go through, but it’s not something you have to face alone. Don’t let your blackmailer’s threats control you. Instead, stand strong and refuse to give in to their demands. Keep records of their messages and report them to law enforcement and the FBI. And, most importantly, take care of yourself. Seek support from professionals and others who have gone through similar experiences. It’s time to take action against sextortion and start the process of healing.
