Last Updated on October 30, 2023

With the rise of the internet and social media, sextortion has become a prevalent crime that affects people of all ages. This type of online crime involves threatening someone with the release of sexual content or images if they do not meet the demands of the perpetrator. If you’re a victim of sextortion and wondering what your next step should be, keep reading to find out who you should reach out to for help.

Should I ignore a sextortionist?

You might have noticed when doing your research on sextortion that most people say to ignore sextortion when it happens. We here at Cyber Investigation can confidently tell you that ignoring sextortion is not the most brilliant move.

We have encountered numerous cases where victims choose to ignore their sextortionists. However, this approach often leads to more severe consequences. As these criminals already possess explicit material belonging to their victims, they will not hesitate to expose them if ignored.

Ignoring your harasser does not effectively make them disappear. These criminals are persistent and will continue harassing them until they receive a response.

Do I contact the FBI for sextortion?

Yes, you can contact the FBI for sextortion. The FBI considers sextortion a high-priority crime, and it has established a specialized unit for investigating these cases. If you or someone you know has been a victim of sextortion, you can contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

The IC3 is a national resource for victims of cybercrime. It provides a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities to potential criminal activity. Victims of sextortion can file a complaint on the IC3 website. IC3 staff will review the complaint and refer it to the appropriate authorities, including the FBI.

Should I report sextortion to the police?

Yes, you should always report sextortion to your local police! When you report sextortion to the police, they can investigate the crime and provide legal protection to you. They can also track down the perpetrator and bring them to justice.

How do I report sextortion?

Fortunately, victims of sextortion have numerous resources at their disposal to report such crimes. Here are some essential resources that victims should utilize when reporting the crime.

Law Enforcement Agencies

The first place to report sextortion is the police or law enforcement agency. If someone is threatening you with the release of sexually explicit material, it is essential to contact the authorities as soon as possible. Provide them with all the evidence you have, including texts, emails, screenshots, or any other documents that could help them identify the perpetrator. Remember that sextortion is a serious crime, and the police will take it seriously.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is a non-profit organization that works to find missing children and reduce child sexual exploitation. They have a CyberTipline that is available 24/7 for reporting any online child exploitation, including sextortion. To file a report, visit their website and fill in the details of the incident. They will then analyze the report and forward it to the relevant authorities.

Social Media Platforms

If the extortion is taking place on a social media platform, such as Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat, it is essential to report the incident to the respective platforms. Most social media platforms have strict policies on harassment and exploitation and will take appropriate actions, such as deleting the account, blocking the perpetrator, or contacting the authorities. To report sextortion on social media, look for the platform’s Help Center and follow its guidelines.

Cyber Civil Rights Initiative

The Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (CCRI) is a non-profit organization that aims to combat non-consensual pornography, also known as “revenge porn.” They have a legal team that can help victims of sextortion file civil lawsuits against their perpetrators. They also have a Crisis Helpline that provides emotional support and resources to victims of non-consensual pornography. If you are a victim of sextortion, consider getting in touch with the CCRI.

Victim Advocates

Finally, it is essential to reach out to a victim advocate who can offer emotional support, resources, and guidance. Victim advocates work with victims of crime, providing them with information about their rights and options. Different organizations, such as victim services programs, law enforcement agencies, and non-profit organizations, offer victim advocacy services. To locate a victim advocate in your area, you can contact the National Organization for Victim Assistance or your state’s Attorney General’s Office.

Conclusion

Sextortion is a heinous crime that can ruin a victim’s life. If you are a victim of sextortion, it is essential to know where to turn to get help. Report to law enforcement agencies or the NCMEC, report to social media platforms, contact the CCRI, and seek guidance from victim advocates. Remember, you are not alone, and some people want to help you. Act quickly and report the crime to prevent further damage.