Last Updated on July 7, 2023

If someone has threatened to share explicit images or videos of you with other people unless you provide more material, they may be engaging in sextortion. Sextortion can be a very frightening experience, and you may feel like there is nowhere to turn for help. However the real question is – Can the Police Help with Sextortion?

The police may be able to assist you in stopping the blackmailer and protecting your privacy. This guide will explain what is  sextortion, what the police can do to help, and what steps to take to keep yourself safer online.

Once you are backed into a corner by your blackmailer, it can feel like there is no where else to go. A sextortionist knows just what to say to their victims to convince them that following their demands can be the only way to put an end to this nightmare. We are here to tell you that is not true. You can refer back to our blog, “5 Ways to Report Sextortion” to find out the many resources available to you to report sextortion and seek out help from professionals.

What Can the Police Do About Sextortion?

As many local police precincts lack digital specialists and aren’t prepared to handle cyber-crime in general, they wouldn’t be able to take over victims’ cases immediately. Although, this is the case we still recommend seeking out your local police precinct to make a report. You Can use this as a protective measure due to many sextortionists creating web of lies, that are aimed to damage your public image. Having a report of file will solidify that you are the victim of a crime and any and all claims coming from your sextortionists is a lie.

It is also highly recommended to report online blackmail to the FBI, as they have many divisions that deal with it. Although the FBI is well equipped with handling cyber-crimes, it’s important to state that many sextortion criminals reside in foreign countries such as The Ivory Coast, Philippines, and Nigeria. It can take some time for the FBI to catch criminals on foreign territory since they must work with other agencies and organizations like Interpol to catch these criminals.

What Penalties Can These Criminals Face?

Sextortion is a very serious crime and has serious consequences. Blackmailers who commit sextortion can be charged with a variety of crimes, including:

• Extortion
• Blackmail
• Cyberstalking
• Coercion
• Child pornography (if the victim is a minor)

Сyber-criminal can face up to twenty years in prison with additional heavy fines and penalties. Cases dealing with minors can have harsher punishments that can result in being charged with sexual exploitation of a minor and can face up to 30 years in federal prison.

Safety Precautions You Can Take

As victims seek help from authorities, there are many ways they can help themselves. Here are a few tips you can use to protect yourself from exposure.

• Privacy Settings.

Keeping strong privacy settings and limiting the amount of information you have of yourself online will help reduce what ammo a suspect can use against you.

• No Blocking.

Some sources will tell you to end communication with your blackmailer. But that has proven to be a bad idea. It can lead to your exposure sooner.

• Stall.

Instead of blocking your blackmailer, we recommend playing along with their demands.  If you are able to pretend you are willing to pay your suspect but needs some time to gather money, the better. This gives you time to reach out to blackmail specialists that can take over for you.

• Seek Specialists.

The police and the FBI will most likely take too long to assist you. Due to caseloads and other circumstances, so seeking out blackmail specialist will be your best bet.

• Seek Support.

Reach out to loved ones an tell them about your situation. A sextortionists goal is to isolate their victims and get them to think they have no way out.  Which is incorrect. Forming a support group can help victims in many ways.

How to report Online Sextortion

The best way to protect yourself from blackmail is to be proactive. Reach out for help from local authorities, the FBI, and experienced blackmail specialists. Protect your personal information, and take steps to secure your online presence.

Most importantly, remember that you are not alone. There are people who can help you through this difficult time. If you have been the victim of blackmail, please seek out resources like Sextortion Helpline. We are here to support you and help you get through this challenging situation.

After all, you know the answer to the question –  Can the Police Help with Sextortion. Its time to act if you faced with sextortion. We Know how to deal with sextortion – Call Us For Expert Advice & Service.