Becoming a victim of online blackmail is bad enough. You don’t want to compound it by turning to the wrong resources for help. Your money is at stake, not to mention your digital reputation. So, you should carefully pick a team of experts who can conduct a proper blackmail investigation and get the results you need.
How Do You Investigate Digital Blackmail?
A blackmail investigation falls into the realm of digital forensics. An electronic harassment investigator will analyze the scenario that led to the threats being made against the victim. They look into accounts, platforms used to communicate, chat logs containing threatening messages, financial transactions, and data points that may have been left behind by the perpetrator.
Any crime leaves a trail of evidence that can help a private investigator of electronic harassment understand how it was committed. Examining this digital evidence is crucial to uncovering the identity of the cyber criminals, bringing them to justice, and protecting against similar attacks in the future.
Types of Experts Who Handle Blackmail Investigations
Whether you’ve already been targeted in a cybercrime or are looking to take a proactive approach with your online security, there are experts available who can assist you. You must understand the different services provided by each to choose the right professional.
- Digital Investigator/Private Investigator: These specialized sleuths review evidence left behind when a cybercrime is committed. The findings of digital investigators can help you identify your attacker and the tools they used to commit their digital crime.
- Electronic Harassment Private Investigator: These professionals investigate claims of surveillance, stalking, or harassment involving electronic means such as hidden cameras, listening devices, GPS trackers, or cyber intrusion. They use specialized equipment and techniques to detect and document electronic monitoring or interference. This is often done in cases where the victim believes they are being targeted with advanced or covert technology.
- Threat Analysts: These are experts that can help you take preventative action against online blackmail. Threat analysts specialize in evaluating risk, identifying attack patterns, and advising on security measures to keep cybercriminals away from your personal data.
- Online Fraud Specialist: These professionals track financial extortion attempts and online schemes. Online fraud specialists can alert you of suspicious activity that you may be unaware of.
What to Look for in an Electronic Harassment Investigator
Like any service you are seeking, you should begin your decision process by conducting some personal research. A simple internet search can help you create a list of possible outlets who you can consult.
Once you’ve established familiarity with these electronic harassment investigators, you should look into their credentials. You will want a firm that has technical skills, digital forensics knowledge, and experience in blackmail investigations.
Make sure they are licensed investigators and are knowledgeable of the laws regarding blackmail. This includes jurisdictional issues and the specific laws that cover blackmail in the region in which you reside.
You should also consider the typical response time and availability of the firm. Cybercrimes like blackmail online can escalate at any time and require rapid reaction. Choosing a fast-working electronic harassment investigator with 24/7 availability is critical.
How Blackmail Investigations Work
The first step in investigating online blackmail is to conduct a threat analysis. This allows electronic harassment investigators to identify security vulnerabilities and causes of the attack to determine the best course of action for resolving the situation.
Next, experts will work to contain the source of the threat. Metadata analysis and device fingerprinting can allow private investigators of electronic harassment to determine the geographic location of the perpetrator and remove their leverage.
These organizations can also point you in the direction of the proper law enforcement agency that has the ability to legally pursue your case. Furthermore, they can provide continual monitoring to prevent further extortion and protect against future attacks.
Where to Find a Reputable Electronic Harassment Investigator
You will want to work with the right organization that specializes in blackmail investigations. They should have a solid track record of protecting their clients as well as the proper credentials.
You will also want to heed referrals and reviews of the electronic harassment investigator. Each professional group will highlight the best aspects of their service, but you will want to hear from those who have actually sought their aid.
Major Red Flag to Avoid
While there are reputable electronic harassment investigators who can assist you with your blackmail investigation, there are just as many organizations with poor practices that can do more damage than good. Avoid working with firms that display the following characteristics:
- Illegal Tactics: Steer clear of any organizations that claim they will hack your blackmailer. This is illegal retaliation, and evidence obtained in this manner is normally inadmissible.
- Improper Handling of Evidence: The proof of the crime needs to be handled with extreme caution. Private investigators who haphazardly conduct analysis of electronic harassment can damage and lose essential proof that is necessary for legal proceedings.
- Confidentiality Risks: Ensure the discretion of the organization you are consulting. Do not disclose any private information without first confirming that proper protections are in place.
Working with Digital Forensics Corp.
Here at DFC, we are ready to assist you with blackmail investigations or any other cybercrimes you may face. Our team of electronic harassment investigators is proficient in digital fingerprinting techniques, such as IP tracking. These skills allow us to locate perpetrators worldwide and bring them to justice.
If you or someone you love is currently being threatened with exposure through any type of blackmail, don’t hesitate to contact our Blackmail Hotline. Cyber security professionals are standing by to assist you 24/7. We understand that searching for help in this situation can be confusing, which is why we suggest reading through some of our reviews on TrustPilot.
