Last Updated on July 7, 2023
Sextortion is a form of blackmail where someone threatens to release sexual images or information about you unless you give them money. It’s a horrific experience that can leave victims feeling helpless and alone. If you’re being blackmailed, know that you’re not alone and there are steps you can take to stop the blackmailer and take back control. In this blog, we will discuss how to stop blackmail and potentially put an end to it.
What can the police do about blackmail?
You should always report blackmail to local law enforcement as soon as possible. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center should also be contacted. The majority of sextortion and blackmail cases go unreported because victims are too scared or even embarrassed to tell someone.
Making a report to the police will act as a safety measure that shows the harassing and threatening messages proving that you are a victim of a serious crime. Many blackmailers will try to paint their victims in a negative light by stating they have committed a crime and posting defamatory lies that can ruin a person’s reputation.
Once the crime has been reported, the police can investigate instances of blackmail and collect evidence that can be used to prosecute the person responsible. Although, this might take longer to accomplish for many reasons, caseloads, what they deem urgent, laws, etc. This is why we also recommend seeking out blackmail experts to assist, they may be able to help out more promptly. More detail answer how to stop blackmail with police help you may read here – can the police help with sextortion
How do you stop someone from extorting you?
The best way to stop someone from extorting you is to reach out for help from professionals and experts. Victims of sextortion should avoid trying to handle this alone. These cybercriminals are very good at what they do and they will continue to maintain power over their victims if someone doesn’t step in.
Here are some tips you can use to help keep yourself safer while you seek out help
- Private all of your online accounts and make sure you have strong privacy settings
- Limit the amount of information about yourself on your profiles
- Document the harassment and report the blackmailer’s account to the platform
- Do not pay your blackmailer!!
- Stall as long as you can until you find help
How to report blackmail?
To make a sufficient report victims should bring detailed evidence of the threats and as much info as they can get from their blackmailer. Once that is done victims should contact their local authorities and provide all of their evidence.
Victims should also go to https://www.ic3.gov/ to make an online report to the FBI. They will also need detailed evidence of the crime to be able to process a report such as the following
- Victim’s name, address, telephone, and email
- This will be your information if you are the victim, or another person if you are filing on behalf of a third party
- Financial transaction information (e.g., account information, transaction date and amount, who received the money)
- Subject’s name, address, telephone, email, website, and IP address
- The subject is the person/entity allegedly committing the Internet crime
- Specific details on how you were victimized
- Email header(s)
- Any other relevant information you believe is necessary to support your complaint
Blackmail is a serious crime that can have lasting effects on the victim. If you are a victim of blackmail, know that there are resources available to help you. You can contact your local police department and make a report to help end this nightmare of a crime. Don’t let your blackmailer win! Report blackmail today. Our sextortion helpline is ready to help you 24/7
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