If you are faced with a blackmail scam of any kind, your fear of being exposed may prompt you to go quiet and cut off all communication with the blackmailer in the hope that they’ll eventually lose interest if you stop responding.
While we understand that this can be incredibly stressful, it’s important to realize that if the blackmailer has any photos, videos, or other information on you that could be considered incriminating or embarrassing, they are unlikely to simply give up on their attempts to extort you.
Please understand that, while ignoring the problem won’t make it go away, this doesn’t mean you should comply with the blackmailer’s demands. Instead, it means you should take the necessary steps to fight back, remove the blackmailer’s leverage, and preserve your reputation.
Will your blackmailer stop if you ignore their messages?
Blackmail is a unique crime, and a blackmailer can have many different motivations. If you are being blackmailed by someone you know or have met in real life, their motivations will differ from those of a cybercriminal attempting to scam multiple victims. As a result, the tactics you’ll need to deploy to get them to stop will vary.
Over the past several years, Digital Forensics Corp. has observed a troubling rise in cases of sextortion and online blackmail originating from countries such as the Ivory Coast, the Philippines, and Nigeria. If you are being victimized by one of these cybercriminals, the likelihood of the messages and potential exposure going away if you ignore them diminishes significantly.
Why won’t your blackmailer give up?
If your blackmailer is someone you know, where you can advise law enforcement and other legal professionals of their exact address, it makes it much easier for you to act and get your blackmailer to stop.
But if your blackmailer’s identity is unknown, a legal tool like a “Cease-and-Desist” will be less effective. In these cases, you need to enlist the help of an organization with skills in cyber security and investigations. Cyber blackmailers rely heavily on their digital anonymity to both expand the reach of their threats and protect themselves from detection by law enforcement.
7 Steps for Victims of Cyber Blackmail or Sextortion.
If you or someone you know is a victim of online blackmail, here are some quick tips you can follow:
- Do not pay your blackmailer or give into any demands they may make. Remember that if they release any of the incriminating information, they have on you like “Nudes”, they will lose their leverage. Their goal is to gain a victim who will stay silent and continue to make payments to them.
- Use delay tactics with your blackmailer. While delay tactics may only provide a short reprieve from the constant string of threatening messages, it is not a permanent solution.
- Contact the Digital Forensics Corp Helpline, where we have teams of experts in cybersecurity and prevention standing by 24/7. 888.521.1551
- Save all the messages exchanged between you and your blackmailer. While you will need to collect screenshots of the messages, you do not need to include any incriminating photos or videos.
- Change your passwords and account settings. You may also want to enable two-factor authentication to avoid any additional data breaches or account take overs.
- Do not block the blackmailer’s account on any social or messaging channels. This connection can be used as part of a full digital investigation.
- File a report with local law enforcement, even though they may not be equipped to handle this type of crime. It is still an important step. They may also direct you to file a claim with the IC3, a division of the FBI (1).
Will your Blackmailer Release the Incriminating Content
In order to effectively understand the risk of your content being leaked, it is important to know what content your blackmailer is being used as leverage and your standing in the community. If you are being sextorted with nude photos or videos that reveal your identity, there is a chance that your blackmailer may have some intention of following through with their threats to release this content to your friends, family, and colleagues if you refuse to comply with their demands.
In a recent study conducted by Digital Forensics Corp., initial findings revealed a 42% chance of exposure even if the victim did not respond.
While it is unwise for a blackmailer to release the leverage they have on a victim, it can happen which is why it is important for a victim to take proper action against their blackmailer.
Get Help from Digital Forensics Corp and Make Your Blackmailer Stop.
Remember, you don’t have to face this alone. Taking action is vital, and seeking support from cyber professionals experienced in handling sextortion cases can empower you to reclaim control and pursue justice.
At Digital Forensics Corp. we are committed to combating cybercrime and supporting victims of online blackmail through these challenging times. Our Blackmail Helpline has assisted thousands of victims by going after the real issue…finding their blackmailer and forcing them to delete their incriminating content.
If you or someone you love is currently a victim of blackmail or sextortion, please take the time to speak with one of our cybersecurity professionals. We provide complimentary consultations to help you make the right decision about how to fight back against your blackmailer.
Sources:
- Federal Bureau of Investigations Cyber Crime Reporting – https://www.ic3.gov/
DISCLAIMER: THIS POST IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSIDERED LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY SUBJECT MATTER. DIGITAL FORENSICS CORP. IS NOT A LAWFIRM AND DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE OR SERVICES. By viewing posts, the reader understands there is no attorney-client relationship, the post should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney, and readers are urged to consult their own legal counsel on any specific legal questions concerning a specific situation.
