How to Deal with WhatsApp Sextortion?

WhatsApp has boomed with success due to its features, which consist of sharing live locations, audio and video calling, reduction of data usage for calls, and free of cost. That said, with pros comes a set of cons.

Sextortionists have taken a liking to WhatsApp and are now using the platform to carry out their cybercrimes. If you are a victim and need help on how to deal with WhatsApp sextortion, keep reading.

Should I Worry About WhatsApp Sextortion?

Online Sextortion is a very serious crime and it should be addressed and handled as soon as you start receiving threats. This type of crime can lead a victim down a mentally, emotionally, and financially disastrous path. So, it is critical for victims to take action and take the threats of their blackmailers seriously. If not taken seriously, or even ignored, WhatsApp sextortion can lead to consistent and unwanted harassment that can last days, weeks, months, or in more severe cases even years. You risk a high chance of exposure as well. A lot of these criminals will not hesitate to post your explicit content online to your loved ones, employer, community groups, etc. If they are not given what they want. This is why we recommend seeking help from professionals so they can take the burden off you and end the abuse for good.

How Long Will Sextortion on WhatsApp Last?

As I mentioned, the duration of sextortion varies. It typically comes down to the type of cybercriminal you are dealing with. Some are far more aggressive than others and will berate their victims for as long as they need to until they get what they want. Victims also play a major part in the duration of sextortion. The longer a victim keeps quiet about what is happening, the more power is given to their sextortionists. These criminals thrive on their victims’ fear and silence. They will have no chance against authorities and specialists once they step in. This is why it is vital that victims report the crime as soon as they can.

How Do I Deal With WhatsApp Sextortion?

We know it’s extremely difficult to deal with sextortion, and the thought of being exposed can be paralyzing for victims. This makes it hard to figure out the best strategy for tackling this situation.

Here are some tips victims can use to give them the push they need to combat this crime:

Do not, for any reason, give in to the demands of your sextortionist.
This will only prove to them that their plan is working, and they will keep coming back for more.
Make sure you collect as much evidence of the abuse as you can. Take screenshots of names, emails, profiles, phone numbers, etc.
Set up strong privacy settings on your WhatsApp account.
Set your WhatsApp account to private by only allowing people in your contacts to contact you.
Enable two-step verification.
Block and report the sextortionist’s number and harassing messages to WhatsApp.
Report the crime to the authorities

It’s critical that victims take action as soon as they receive threats. If you have been the victim of sextortion, please do not hesitate to reach out for help. You can call us today and we will walk you through the process of getting the support and protection you need, and how to deal with WhatsApp sextortion.

Remember, you are not alone, and we are here to help. Don’t let your attacker keep you silenced! Fight back today! Contact Our Sextortion Helpline for expert advice and service. We can help you with: Sextortion on Instagram, Facebook Sextortion, Sextortion On Snapchat

How Do I Stop Sextortion on WhatsApp?

If you find yourself a target of sextortion on WhatsApp, here are some crucial steps you can take:

Block the contact: Blocking the suspected individual should be your immediate response. This action prevents them from sending further messages or calling you on WhatsApp.
Report the contact: After blocking, report the person to WhatsApp. Reporting helps the platform identify and take necessary action against the user, which could potentially prevent others from falling victim to the same individual.
Do not engage: While responding to threats or demands might be tempting, it’s advisable not to engage with the blackmailer. Any interaction might encourage them to continue their actions and potentially escalate the situation.
Do not share intimate content: One of the best preventive measures is to avoid sharing private photos or videos with anyone, even people you trust. Remember, once shared, you lose control over where these images might end up.
Contact a digital forensics helpline: If you’re unsure what to do or feeling overwhelmed, contact a digital forensics helpline. These helplines have professionals who can advise and support handling the situation effectively.

How To Avoid Sextortion on WhatsApp

These digital days, you really have to guard yourself from WhatsApp sextortion scams

(and scams in general). Using WhatsApp video calls or messages from an unknown number, scammers can fool victims into divulging private information or demanding money.

Following these guidelines helps you protect yourself from these scammers:

Silence unknown callers: Click Privacy, then scroll down to Calls to activate “Silence unknown callers” from WhatsApp settings. This function stops arbitrary numbers from generating unwelcome calls.
Enable two-factor authentication: To stop illegal access by hackers or scammers, give your WhatsApp and social media accounts further security by turning on two-factor authentication.
Be cautious of unknown contacts: Steer clear of answering calls or interacting with messages from numbers not saved in your contacts.
Regularly update your app: Make sure your WhatsApp is current to avoid security flaws and the newest frauds. Whether you use iOS, Android, or otherwise, regular updates are a must.

These steps will help you greatly lower your chances of becoming a victim of WhatsApp scams. Always give your cybersecurity first priority, and be alert while using the internet to guard your personal data.

Summary

Sextortion is a complex issue that has far-reaching implications. It affects individuals across the globe, irrespective of age, gender, or socioeconomic status. It’s vital to recognize the warning signs, understand the reality of its prevalence, and know how to respond if you find yourself in such a predicament.

Vigilance, along with stringent protection of your personal information, is vital to preventing sextortion. Exercise caution when sharing sensitive content, and always remember that it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you ever feel unsure or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to contact a blackmail helpline or a digital forensics helpline. These resources exist to provide advice, support, and assistance to those affected by sextortion.

In conclusion, dealing with sextortion can indeed be a daunting prospect. The fear, uncertainty, and potential shame associated with becoming a victim can be overwhelming. However, equipped with knowledge, awareness, and the right tools, we can confidently navigate this digital landscape.

By remaining vigilant, taking appropriate steps when necessary, and seeking professional help, we can effectively guard ourselves and others against this online exploitation.

Remember, safety in the digital world should always be a priority, and help is always available when needed. Stay safe and secure in your online interactions.

Sources:

How to change your privacy settings | WhatsApp Help Center

What Is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)? | Microsoft Security

How to manually update WhatsApp | WhatsApp Help Center

WhatsApp ‘Sextortion Video Call’ Scam: What Is It, How To Protect Yourself | News18