Technological advancements and barriers to holding cybercriminals accountable have created an online environment where bad actors are free to terrorize vulnerable users. Online blackmail is particularly dangerous because it can be committed from anywhere, at any time, and anonymously. One of the biggest mistakes victims of blackmail make is not asking for help, especially from the right experts. Just like any crime, experts are essential to investigate and put an end to the online blackmail for good. If you’re wondering how to find a blackmail expert, continue reading to find out.
Criteria for Choosing a Blackmail Expert
Not every cybersecurity expert can help with blackmail. It takes specialized expertise and experience to effectively handle a blackmail case and protect victims from exposure. When trying to figure out how to find a blackmail expert, there are 5 key areas you should focus on.
1. Expertise in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
Blackmailers will often use hacking techniques to gain access to a user’s accounts or devices to look for sensitive information. Cybersecurity experts understand how to determine if your private information has been accessed. They also know how to prevent criminals from gaining access in the future.
On another note, digital forensic experts specialize in collecting and analyzing digital data. They also preserve the data in a way that is admissible as evidence in legal proceedings.
2. Experience with Blackmail Cases
Blackmailers are difficult to predict and can be quick to escalate. However, experts who are well-versed in how cybercriminals operate understand how to communicate with them effectively. They can work to reduce the risk of exposure and rely on their experience to navigate tricky situations.
3. Integrity and Confidentiality
Online blackmail involves sensitive information that needs to be kept private. You need to work with experts who are trained to uphold the utmost respect for privacy. It’s also important for experts to thoroughly document their process, maintaining integrity and transparency when working with blackmail victims.
4. Availability and Response Time
Experts with a high case load can have a delay in response time or limited availability. This can be concerning for blackmail victims that are receiving a barrage of hostile messages and need assistance immediately. Law enforcement agencies, for example, can experience a high volume of cases, leading to slower response times.
5. Reputation and Feedback
Blackmail is a traumatizing experience, and it’s important that any experts you turn to are effective in handling such cases. Looking at reputation is a vital part of how to find a blackmail expert. However, not all blackmail experts are the same. Some may have questionable ethics. You can look at reviews and existing feedback to get a clearer sense of how they operate.
How Experts Can Help with Blackmail and Extortion
Cybercrime experts can help in a multitude of ways. They can help victims fight back against their attackers and can even provide emotional support to help victims recover after being blackmailed. Take note of the following ways experts can help with blackmail and extortion.
- Investigate the cybercrime. Digital forensic experts can follow the trail of data left behind by your blackmailer — revealing their geolocation, the device used in the attack, and identity.
- Preserve evidence. Experts can preserve the evidence discovered in their investigation for victims to use to support future legal actions.
- Take over communications with the blackmailer. Some experts are heavily experienced in communicating with cybercriminals and how to lure them into traps that can be used against them.
- Help with legal action. Legal professionals can help victims take action against their blackmailers. This could be a lawsuit or restraining order.
- Provide emotional support. Blackmail experts understand the emotional distress that can come from being a victim of the crime. They can be a confidant for you to discuss what you’re going through or help you with immediate steps that can protect your privacy.
- Prevent future incidents. Experts can help secure your accounts and devices, reducing the risk of future hacking attempts. They can also educate you on the best online safety practices to avoid falling victim to blackmail in the future.
How to Find a Blackmail Expert and Where to Find Them
Now that we’ve covered how to find a blackmail expert, we should go through where you can find them. You can work with blackmail experts on either a free or paid basis. Take a look at the following options to see who can assist with blackmail cases.
Law Enforcement
Blackmail victims should always file a report with their local law enforcement. A police report will officially document the crime and can be used to support future legal action. Some departments also have cybercrime units that can launch an investigation to identify the perpetrator. However, local police departments have limited jurisdiction, and they can only pursue identifiable criminals.
Because of this, you should also report the crime to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The IC3 is the national reporting center for cybercrimes, and agents refer to the IC3 to identify cybercrimes to investigate. The FBI has federal jurisdiction and even has connections to international law enforcement in other countries. You can report to the IC3 by visiting your local field office or going to their website.
Private Cybersecurity Firms
Law enforcement departments are largely driven to pursue criminals and bring them to justice. While this is helpful with online blackmailers, private cybersecurity firms will focus on protecting the victim’s privacy and putting an end to the blackmail. These experts use specialized forensics techniques to trace the perpetrator’s virtual footprint, revealing their geolocation and identity.
They use this information to apply strategic pressure onto the blackmailer to abandon their scheme and leave the victim alone. These firms also typically respond quickly to blackmail reports and will actively monitor the internet for any nonconsensual publishing of your sensitive data. However, keep in mind that working with cybersecurity firms often comes at a cost.
Nonprofits
There are many nonprofit organizations that combat cybercrime and specific forms of online blackmail. Many of them provide emotional support to victims and operate 24/7 helplines. Some organizations specifically fight against sextortion or image-based sexual abuse. Here are a few nonprofits to look into when facing blackmail.
Fightcybercrime.org. A nonprofit that provides educational resources for those affected by cybercrime. The organization works within law enforcement and consumer protection ecosystems.
Cyber Civil Rights Initiative. The CCRI helps victims of nonconsensual intimate image abuse, including sextortion. They offer resources to find blackmail lawyers and 24/7 support for victims.
National Cybersecurity Alliance. A nonprofit that works with companies and organizations to make cybersecurity more accessible. For example, the National Cybersecurity Alliance partners with Target, FBI, and Microsoft.
A Blackmail Lawyer
Similar to law enforcement, attorneys are only effective against identifiable perpetrators. They can help you file a restraining order, a cease-and-desist letter for online platforms hosting the sensitive content, or even a lawsuit. However, legal professionals can carry a significant price to work with. Many of them charge by the hour.
Working with Law Enforcement to Catch a Blackmailer
Between May 12 and 15, 2025, three women reported to police that they had been targeted by sextortion attempts involving threatening messages from an unidentified sender. One of the women was sent an explicit image that she recognized as a photo she previously sent to a man named Mikel Reyes. She confronted Reyes about it, but he denied any involvement.
A detective noticed that the messages were all sent from the same account using a text message service. He was able to get a search warrant, and the IP address linked to the account traced back to Reyes’s mother. The detective then got another warrant to seize Reyes’ devices. The police were able to uncover even more evidence that directly suggested that he was responsible for the sextortion attempts. As a result, Reyes was charged with multiple offenses, including three counts of first-degree larceny by extortion.
How To Protect Yourself During Blackmail
Understanding how to find and work with a blackmail expert is always important. However, you don’t have to wait for an expert to take action. There are immediate rules you should follow to reduce your risk of exposure.
For one, never give in to a blackmailer’s demands. This often escalates the situation and signals that you’re susceptible to intimidating messages. You also should immediately preserve the evidence of the blackmail. Take screenshots of messages and any other relevant evidence of the crime.
These initial actions will not only give you more control over the situation, but they will also help experts assist you. Blackmailers move fast, and it’s these quick but informed decisions that can make all the difference.
Cyber Investigation Inc. is a trusted cybersecurity firm that specializes in protecting blackmail victims. We have years of experience fighting against cybercriminals and will work tirelessly to put an end to the blackmail. If you want to work with experts, contact us today.