Last Updated on July 18, 2023

Sextortionists can happen to anyone and can occur anywhere, including Michigan. This type of crime involves victims being blackmailed with their intimate and sexual content. If you want to learn more about what this crime consists of and how you can protect yourself from sextortion in Michigan, keep reading.

What is Sextortion in Michigan?

These cybercriminals, known as sextortionists, disguise their identities to prey on unsuspecting users. Posing as friendly or flirty individuals, they use social media accounts like Facebook and Instagram to contact multiple people at once to obtain as many victims as possible. They either try to coerce victims into producing explicit material through flirtatious talk or outright ask for it under the guise of wanting “fun.”

These criminals are not only taking place on social media apps. These criminals carry out their schemes through gaming apps, such as discord, dating, email, texting, and more. It is becoming more challenging to avoid this scam, so people must educate themselves about this type of crime to be more cautious online.

Michigan Laws on Sextortion

Under Michigan law, sextortion is not its own legal crime, yet it is prosecuted using multiple existing laws such as:

• Extortion
• Bribery
• Corruption
• Dissemination of another person’s sexually explicit material
• Child pornography (if a minor is involved)
• Use of electronic medium of communication

Under extortion, the offender will be charged with a felony, with a maximum 20-year sentence in state prison and a fine not exceeding $10,000.

What to Do If You Are a Victim of Sextortion in MI

If you are being sextorted, it is essential to remember that you are not alone. There are people who care about you and want to help. Here are some steps you can take if you find yourself in this situation:

1. Contact a trusted friend, family member, or counselor for support and guidance. It can be challenging to deal with sextortion on your own, so it is vital to have someone to talk to who can offer helpful advice.
2. Do not give in to the demands of the perpetrator. This will make them come back for more. If you have already given in to demands such as sending more or more sexual content, refrain from sending any more.
3. Contact law enforcement immediately so that they can investigate the matter and help bring the perpetrator to justice. Sextortion is a crime, and it is crucial to get the authorities involved to hold the perpetrator accountable for their actions.
4. Collect evidence that might help identify the perpetrator and bring charges against them. This includes saving any emails, text messages, social media messages, or other communications from the perpetrator. If possible, take screenshots of these communications and any images or videos the perpetrator sent.
5. Change your passwords for all online accounts (email, social media, banking, etc.) so that the perpetrator cannot gain access to them and use them against you.
6. Keep a record of all expenses related to the sextortion incident so that you can be reimbursed for any losses incurred (e.g., payments made to the perpetrator).

Prevention and Protection Against Sextortion in Michigan

Here are a few tips on preventing and protecting yourself from sextortion, and take action against sextortion today!

Be Careful Whom You Trust Online

You must be careful whom you trust online, especially if you decide to share intimate images or videos with someone. Be aware that even if you think you know who they are, they could still be posing as someone else on social media or dating sites. Before sending any images or videos, please ensure the person on the other end is whom they say they are.

Understand Your Rights in Michigan

It is also essential to understand your rights if you become the victim of sextortion in Michigan. According to Michigan state laws, anyone threatening another person with harm or extortion over intimate images can be charged with a felony offense. Additionally, it is illegal for a perpetrator to distribute an intimate photo without consent from the person in the picture—even if it was initially shared consensually.

Seek Help Immediately

If you have been subject to sextortion, it is essential that you reach out for help immediately. You should contact local law enforcement and report what has happened so that proper steps can be taken against the perpetrator. Additionally, many organizations throughout Michigan offer support services specifically tailored toward victims of sextortion and other forms of sexual abuse. These organizations provide valuable resources such as counseling services and legal advice so victims can get back on their feet after experiencing this traumatic event..

Sextortion in Michigan is unfortunately common; however, individuals can take steps to both protect themselves from becoming victims and seek help if they do find themselves subject to sextortion tactics. Everyone needs to understand their rights and know where they can turn for help if necessary so that appropriate action can be taken against perpetrators and justice will be served appropriately. With these tips in mind, individuals can feel empowered knowing they have options available should they become victims of sextortion in Michigan.