What to do if an unknown person is blackmailing you?

Take initial steps

1. Inform the authorities that you are being blackmailed.
2. Keep in mind that paying is unlikely to stop the blackmailer’s demands.
3. Don’t confront the person (online or otherwise); end all contact with them immediately.
4. Place filters on your email account(s) to block their email address.

Who to call if im being blackmailed?

Contact Your Local Law Enforcement Once you preserve and gather as much relevant evidence as possible, you should report the crime to your local police. Law enforcement officers are trained and able to investigate crimes and may even be able to find more information than you were able to obtain on your own.

What to do if being extorted?

Go to your local police station. Since extortion typically involves threats of future violence rather than immediate violence, you should file your report in person at the police station rather than calling 911.

Can a man be a victim of blackmail?

Both men and women can be victims of this crime, either by being blackmailed or by being coerced into carrying out sexual acts. The best way to stop yourself from becoming a victim is to be very careful about who you befriend with online, especially if you’re considering sharing anything intimate with them.

What happens if you expose someone to blackmail?

Expose or threaten to expose any matter tending to subject any person to hatred, contempt, or ridicule, or to damage any person’s personal or business repute, or to impair any person’s credit.

How is blackmail different from other forms of extortion?

An extortioner might also threaten to accuse or reveal information about the victim that is morally reprehensible or would hurt the victim’s reputation. As a subcategory of extortion, blackmail occurs when the threat involves revealing damaging private information.

What are some examples of people being blackmailed?

If someone threatens to expose something negative or humiliating about you in exchange for money or another form of favor – they are blackmailing you. Here are a few common examples of blackmail: Celebrity blackmail. A prominent case that involved the federal Hobbs Act was Sekhar v. United States, 133 S. Ct. 2720 (2013).

When does a person threaten to blackmail another person?

“A person commits blackmail if, with the intent to obtain property of another or to compel action or inaction by any person against his will if the person: (1) Threatens bodily injury or property damage; or (2) Accuses or threatens to accuse a person of a crime or immoral conduct which would disgrace the person .”

An extortioner might also threaten to accuse or reveal information about the victim that is morally reprehensible or would hurt the victim’s reputation. As a subcategory of extortion, blackmail occurs when the threat involves revealing damaging private information.

Is it possible to blackmail someone you know?

It is unfortunately too common that blackmail comes from people we know and once trusted– friends, fellow students, ex-partners, even family. When we are close to the blackmailer, it can make it difficult to approach law enforcement for relief.

What to do if you are a victim of blackmail?

Unlike sextortionists, these type of online blackmailers tend to prey on men and their goal is money. However, just like sextortionists, blackmailers who use this scam exploit their victims’ fear for their own gain. If you are the victim of online blackmail, we urge you to follow these five steps right away. 1. Don’t delete anything!