Last Updated on July 7, 2023
Sextortion is a form of online blackmail where someone uses sexually explicit images or videos to extort money, sex, or other favors from their victim. Unfortunately, this type of blackmail is on the rise and can be incredibly damaging to victims. If you’re worried that you might be a victim of sextortion, or if you’ve been asked for money or sexual favors in return for not sharing explicit images or videos with others, there are five steps you can take to report this crime and protect yourself. Read on for more information.
Why Should You Report Sextortion?
It’s important for you to understand that you are entering a very dangerous territory. This cyber-crime has unfortunately resulted in many families, friendships, and careers being ripped a part. A lot of victims think that a simple click of a ‘block’ button will be able to solve their problems and make their situation disappear, which is not the case at all.
These criminals have gathered loads of information on you from your profile and the dark web, where they are able to put all that information in their database, where it can be kept forever even if you were to ignore the situation.
Making a report can do the following:
- Help bring this criminal behind bars
- Stop this criminal from potentially hurting others
- These suspects tend to paint a false narrative that could potentially ruin your life
- Help end a cycle of threats coming your way
- These suspects will keep harassing you and can come after your loved ones if they don’t get what they want.
Being a victim of sextortion can be hard to admit and even embarrassing for some, but it’s better to get some help and support than to wallow in silence and potentially go bankrupt. A scare tactic these suspects constantly use is the idea that a victim has no where to turn to and the only solution they have is to comply with their suspects demands. Do not fall for this lie, there are professionals available to you and are ready to help.
How to deal with sextortion
Let’s get into the five ways you can report sextortion:
What can the police do about sextoriton?
When you report a crime to the FBI, it may take a while before action is taken. Check with your local authorities and see if they have a cyber-crime unit on hand.
You can search your nearest precinct online or give them a call to deliver your complaint. You can also visit the precinct and speak to an officer in person, so that you can provide visible proof of your harassment.
Internet Crimes Complaint Center (IC3)
IC3 is a division of the Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI) concerning suspected internet-facilitated criminal activity.
You can head to their website www.ic3.gov and it will give you a simple and fast way to report your crime that alerts authorities of suspected criminal or civil violations on the internet.
Should I report sextortion to the FBI?
The FBI is the lead federal agency for investigating cyber attacks and intrusions.
They have 56 offices located in major metropolitan areas across the US and Puerto Rico. You can either go to their office in person or head to their website to report your crime www.fbi.gov
The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol)
Interpol is the organization that facilitates worldwide police cooperation and crime control
The majority of sextortionists come from overseas from countries like Nigeria, Philippines, and the Ivory Coast. It may take more time and resources to take action against these criminals since they are not in the United States.
You can contact your local and national police authorities, who will then contact Interpol to take a look at your case.
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)
Sadly, many sextortion victims are young children and minors, as well as people of all ages and backgrounds. If you or someone you know is a minor who faced with sextortion, please contact NCMEC immediately.
- https://www.missingkids.org/HOME
- Call 1-800-THE-LOST // 1-800-843-5678
REPORT SEXTORTION
If you or someone you know is a victim of sextortion, it’s important to do your research and reach out for help. There are many resources available to REPORT SEXTORTION, and we hope this article has provided some helpful information. We are also among the many companies who specialize in sextortion. Our Sextortion Helpline is available to you 24/7 to take on your case. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it – there is no shame in being a victim of online sextortion.
