Faced With Google Hangouts SEXTORTION?
DON'T WAIT! ACT NOW!

The best way to defend against sextortion is to prevent it before it rears its head. Here are some practices that can help keep you safe on Google Hangouts.

• Use Heightened Privacy Settings. Limit your reachability by changing your “Who can message you?” setting from “Anyone” to “Known senders only”.
• Avoid Oversharing. The sextortionist could be a romantic partner, a complete stranger, or anywhere in between. You need to take extreme caution if you send nudes online and avoid sending them to users you can’t verify.
• Listen to Your Intuition. It’s best to trust your gut if something feels fishy about your new connection. Even if there’s not a specific factor that seems off, it’s safest to take a zero-trust approach.

It is still very possible to resolve a sextortion case that has progressed past the point of prevention. If you’ve already exchanged content and are now facing threats, here’s what you should do:

• Don’t Pay the Sextortionist. This will not make the sextortionist go away and almost always encourages further demands. You should instead cut off communication with the criminal. However, refrain from blocking them until after you’ve investigated the case.
• Gather Evidence. Take screenshots of the profile, messages, shared content, and timestamps to create an accurate timeline of the crime. You will need this proof if you choose to pursue legal action.
• Notify the Proper Authorities. Begin by filing a report with your local police. If they can’t resolve the matter, inform the FBI by filing a report through the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). You should also inform Google about the incident.

Google provides an option to block and report users who are engaging in abusive behavior. Unfortunately, blocking the sextortionist could permanently delete evidence that you need. Consider the benefits of working with cyber investigation professionals to help you collect proof before you block them.

If you’ve already completed an investigation or wish to proceed with the risk of losing evidence, you can block and report a user on Google Hangouts by:

• Opening your messages within the platform.
• Clicking the three dots next to the username on PC or pressing and holding the chat on a mobile device.
• Selecting “Block & report” and checking the box next to “Also report”
• Selecting “Block” to submit your report and block the user.

You should also inform law enforcement. To inform your local police, you can file a report in person by going to the station. Additionally, some precincts accept reports online or over the phone.

If the local police can’t solve your case, you should proceed to the FBI. You can report cybercrime to the bureau by visiting your local field office, calling 1-800-CALL-FBI, or online through the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

It’s impossible to determine for certain whether a sextortionist will follow through on their threats. However, there are factors that can impact the chances of exposure.

Factors That May Lead a Sextortionist to Follow Through:

• Targets with high social status, net worth, and more to lose if their reputation is tarnished.
• Targets who have responded with either a willingness to comply or immediate confrontation.

Factors That May Deter a Sextortionist from Following Through:

• Loss of leverage by releasing the content they are trying to extort you with
• Fear of getting caught either from their additional criminal behavior or the involvement of law enforcement and cybersecurity professionals.

The CI team has handled thousands of sextortion cases over the years. We have a rooted understanding of how these criminals operate, along with the means necessary to unmask them and remove their leverage.

We follow the cybercriminal’s digital footprint using proprietary techniques to uncover their true identity. Our entire investigation is documented to ensure its admissibility as evidence. After your case has been resolved, we can still be of service by providing ongoing monitorization.