Social media platforms like Facebook provide a lot of opportunities for people to connect and share their lives with others. Unfortunately, there are some individuals who use these platforms in unethical and illegal ways. One of these ways is through a crime known as “sextortion” which is currently on the rise. In this article, we will discuss what to do if you fall victim to sextortion on Facebook.
Should I ignore Facebook sextortion?
Ignoring a criminal, especially a sextortionist, is never a good idea. These harassments can become significantly worse and ultimately escalate to cause negative outcomes that extend beyond the initial victimization. Below listed are the projected outcomes that are likely if you ignore your sextortionist.
1. It can make the criminal more aggressive; It is likely that this will only compound the issue, and they will not only persist but become more invasive in their approaches. Thus, causes them to reach out to you in different ways, like, on new numbers or accounts, reaching out to your friends and family, or even contacting your employer in hopes of getting the message back to you that they mean business.
2. Secondly, it can cause the demand amount to increase. Extortionists continually attempt to push their victims to pay more, often threatening to release personal material if they do not comply with their demands. If you refuse to pay, it could lead to the demand becoming increasingly exorbitant and dangerous.
3. Lastly, ignoring the demands could lead to the release of your explicit material. This is probably the most threatening and egregious consequence of a sextortionist. They prey on the fear of their victims and use their sexual material as leverage. If you choose to ignore their demands, you run the risk of having your private material released for the public to see.
It is important to note that any one of these scenarios can be emotionally and physically damaging to an individual, and if you encounter Facebook sextortion, you should reach out for help right away.
Sextortion on Facebook: What to do If You Become a Victim
If someone on Facebook threatens to publish explicit images or videos of you, or if they demand money or other favors in exchange, it is vital not to give in. Doing so perpetuates the problem, and you put yourself at an even greater risk. Instead, reach out to Facebook and report the incident immediately.
Facebook has a dedicated team of experts that evaluate all reports of violations of its policies. They will review your report and take appropriate action, which may include a warning, disabling the person’s account, or even contacting law enforcement. It is necessary to provide all relevant information in your report to aid in the investigation. Remember to keep receipts or screenshots of conversations, profile names, and any other relevant information that could be used as evidence.
Once you have reported the incident, focus on staying safe. Consider changes such as disabling location services, implementing two-factor authentication, or even changing your Facebook username. Consider friend-only posts to limit access to your information.
Seeking Support and Recovery
If you fall victim to sextortion or any other cybercrime on Facebook, you are not alone, and it is important to seek support. There are many organizations that can help you through this difficult time, such as the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).
NCMEC offers assistance and support to victims, providing guidance on how to protect yourself online, as well as the resources for mental healthcare. Additionally, it is always important to keep in mind that recovery and seeking support is an ongoing process.
In addition, the law is on your side. By reporting the incident promptly to local law enforcement and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, you allow investigators to pursue the offender. It is essential to remember that all forms of blackmail and exploitation in any shape or form are illegal, and legally enforced consequences may follow. Please remember that you are not alone.
Conclusion:
Sextortion on Facebook is an unfortunate reality, but there are ways to combat it should it ever happen to you. Through swift action and the support of platforms such as Facebook or third-party organizations such as NCMEC, and Cyber Investigations, you can take back control and seek recovery from this harsh experience. Remember, never give in to attackers’ demands, and protect yourself online.
If you are still unsure about sextortion and Facebook and what you should do, reach out to Cyber Investigation as soon as possible. Let us be part of the community that puts an end to these nefarious acts. Report Facebook sextortion today.
