Last Updated on July 7, 2023
In this digital age, online platforms like Google Hangouts (now known as Google Chat) give us the freedom to communicate with people worldwide. But while it brings people closer, it exposes us to numerous risks like online harassment, cyberbullying, and sextortion. If you have fallen into the trap of someone blackmailing you on Google Hangouts, don’t lose hope. This blog post provides tips on how to report Blackmail On Google Hangouts
Can someone blackmail you on Hangouts?
Yes, online blackmail can happen on Google Hangouts and any other platform; for that matter—Blackmailers prey on Hangout users for their sextortion schemes. Sextortion is a form of blackmail and extortion where a blackmailer disguises their identity and manipulates their victims into sharing sexual content and then using that content to blackmail them out of thousands of dollars. Google Hangouts is an instant messaging platform where you can send messages and images to other individuals, which is all a blackmailer needs to entice their victims to send sexual content of themselves. The platform is also linked to victims’ email accounts, allowing these criminals to harass the victim through other avenues.
How can I stop someone on Hangouts who is blackmailing me?
We highly recommend that victims avoid taking the burden and trying to handle blackmail alone. For starters, they are not skilled professionals and do not have the knowledge or skill set to tackle such a dangerous crime, unlike blackmail experts. Here is what you can do if you are being blackmailed online.
1. Do not pay your Blackmailer
The first rule of dealing with a blackmailer is to avoid paying them. It may be tempting to pay their ransom so you can move on, but this will only give them a chance to manipulate you further and return asking for more money. Instead, stall them for as long as possible while you seek out immediate help from the authorities and blackmail helpline.
2. Get support from family and friends
It can be distressing to face a sextortion threat alone. Contact trusted friends or family members and inform them about your situation. It will help you relieve some of the anxiety and help you get through this difficult time. They may also offer a different insight into handling the situation.
3. Report to Google Support
Google Hangouts takes the issue of cyber blackmail seriously, and its policies prohibit any form of harassment or exploitation of users. Report the individual to Google Support, providing any relevant information, like their profile name and the content of the message. The support team will investigate the issue and take appropriate measures, including banning their account.
4. Protect your privacy online
Online sextortion commonly occurs when someone shares their private photos and videos online, which get into the wrong hands. Ensure you protect your privacy online by limiting what you share and with whom. If you have shared private photos or videos with a blackmailer, try to get them off the internet as soon as possible.
5. Contact local authorities
If someone is threatening you with sextortion, it is a criminal offense that carries severe consequences. Get in touch with your local police department and report online blackmail. They will guide you on what actions to take and provide additional support.
How to Report on Google Hangouts
Luckily, it’s an easy task to report someone on Google Hangouts/Chat.
Follow these steps Google has provided.
If you don’t want to chat with someone in Google Chat, you can block them. You can block direct messages or block people in spaces and most group messages.
When you block someone:
· If you use a Google Workspace account and the person you blocked is in your organization, they can still tell when you’re online.
· The person you blocked can tell that they can’t send you messages. To send a message, you need to unblock them.
· Their messages are hidden from you in spaces and group messages. You can unhide messages you want to view.
· They can still read any messages sent to the space.
· You and the person you blocked can’t edit any old messages to one another. · The person is also blocked in certain other Google services.
· Links or attachments the person sent before you blocked them are still active.
· If you report someone for abuse, a copy of the last 50 messages of your conversation is sent to Google for review.
Conclusion
Being a victim of sextortion can be an unsettling experience. But you are not alone. Following the tips outlined in this post, you can stop someone on Google Hangouts from blackmailing you. Remember to prioritize your safety and seek help when necessary. Stay safe online!
