Blackmail on Teams, which replaced Skype upon its discontinuation, is a serious cybercrime that causes calamity for the victims. The victim only compounds the potential perturbation if they don’t properly report the incident. Correctly persevering and documenting evidence of the attack and collaborating with the correct agencies can make all the difference. Continue reading to learn how to properly report blackmail on Teams.
Understanding the Reporting Process
Before you report blackmail on Teams, you need to understand why it’s important to document these instances. Furthermore, it’s important to know what data to collect and what to expect while working through the report. It’s critical that victims report blackmail on Teams for the wellbeing of the entire internet.
Documenting Evidence
You will need proof of the cybercrime when reporting to Microsoft and legal agencies. You should collect screenshots of your blackmailer’s profile and the chat log. Make sure to include any media they’ve sent you, messages of a threatening nature, and transaction history. You do not need to include any content being used to blackmail you.
Make sure to preserve the integrity of the evidence you collect. Keep a log of who has accessed the evidence and when to maintain the chain of custody. Save backups of the evidence on a separate device to ensure you will have a safe copy. Working with digital forensics professionals can help you collect, preserve, and document evidence to guarantee it’s admissible in court.
Reporting Blackmail to Teams Administrators
Any blackmail or other cybercrime on Teams should be reported to the system administrator. This is a crucial step as it could result in the blackmailer’s account being removed from the platform. Reporting helps prevent the perpetrator from harassing you further and protects other users from falling into the same trap.
In the event of Teams blackmail, you can report both individual messages and entire profiles to the system administrator. The processes for reporting both are slightly different, so we will cover both below.
To Report Blackmail on Teams via Messages:
- Open the chat where the blackmail occurred.
- Click on the item you want to report.
- Select “Report a concern”.
- Select a reason and submit the report.
To Report Blackmail on Teams via Communities:
- Open the community you wish to report.
- Tap the name of the community to open the options menu.
- Select “Report a concern”.
- Select a reason and submit the report.
Contacting Teams Support
Microsoft runs a support page where users can connect with verified experts and other users to troubleshoot errors. When working through Microsoft Support, you can scroll through a list of recommended articles based on your search.
If you’re unsatisfied with the results, Microsoft will prompt you to post to their community support thread. Putting another reason for your support request may put you through to a support number or online support agent.
If a support number is not found under the “contact us” tab, you can also find a list of customer service numbers through a web browser search. A list of customer service lines based on geographic location can be found here.
What Happens After Reporting Blackmail to Teams?
After you notify Microsoft, they may be able to remove the Teams account that has been harassing you. However, these cases can take time to review and act upon due to the number of reports filed daily.
Additionally, it is possible for the cybercriminal to create a new account. If they know your username, they can simply contact you through another account. Due to these limitations, you should also work with law enforcement to report blackmail on Teams.
Will the Blackmailer Know You Reported Them?
When you report blackmail on Teams, the process is generally confidential. However, there are signs from the perpetrator’s perspective that may give it away. Inability to access your profile and contact you may let a bad actor know they’ve been blocked.
When proceeding with law enforcement, there are measures to keep the victim anonymous if their safety is at risk. However, the accused also have rights to identify and confront their accuser. As such, there’s a chance legal proceeding might force the reporting party to reveal their identity.
Why it’s Crucial to Report Blackmail on Teams
You should report blackmail on Teams or any online platform for a number of reasons. For starters, reporting to the system administrator can have malicious accounts removed. This helps protect you and others from potential cybercrime in the future.
Building upon this, collaborating with law enforcement and cybersecurity agencies can help identify the blackmailer and document the crime. This evidence will be of the upmost importance if you decide to take legal action against the perpetrator.
Report Blackmail on Teams to Law Enforcement
After making a blackmail report to Teams administrators, your next step should be working with law enforcement. Cooperating with law enforcement can give you access to tools and resources that you wouldn’t have on your own. You will want to begin by filing a police report with your local law enforcement. From there, you can determine what your next move will be in the legal process.
FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
You should also report blackmail on Teams to the FBI through their IC3 division. The IC3 handles all cyber-enabled crime reports in the United States. They promote reporting your case, even if you are unsure if it meets their cybercrime criteria.
You can report blackmail on Teams to the IC3 using the online report form on their page. The reporting process is as follows:
- Visit the IC3 page and click “File a Complaint”
- Fill out contact information of you or the complainant
- If you lost money, report the total loss and method of transaction
- Provide as much information on the blackmailer as possible
- Provide all the information and evidence you have regarding the cybercrime
Understanding Legal Implications
Online blackmail is illegal at both the federal and state level in the United States. Legal protections enable victims to seek criminal or civil charges depending on their location. You can learn more in our article covering the laws regarding blackmail by state.
Under federal law, blackmail can carry court-ordered fines and a prison sentence of up to one year. Some state-level laws have harsher protections against blackmail. Penalties reach up to 10 years in prison bahttps://www.digitalforensics.com/blog/online-blackmail/is-blackmail-illegal/sed on the severity of the crime.
Securing Your Teams Account and Devices
After your Teams blackmail case has been reported and resolved, you should still take proactive measures. The following course of action can help you avoid further sketchy activity on Teams.
- Changing Your Password and Enabling 2FA. You should update your password if you believe your account was compromised. Additionally, you should enable 2FA and consider using a password manager that can create and store passwords for you.
- Reviewing Privacy Settings. You can limit which users can view your profile and contact you by adjusting your privacy settings. Additionally, you should avoid oversharing personal information with anyone online.
- Scanning for Malware. Blackmailers on Teams may try to infiltrate your account or device with malware. If you’ve opened any links or attachments, you should scan your device with reputable anti-malware software.
Seeking Additional Support and Resources
There are additional resources available that can help you gather evidence, report the incident, and recover from the attack. Working with these organizations can assist with emotional support can be extremely beneficial to victims of blackmail on Teams.
- Cybercrime Support Network. This non-profit works with the goal of assisting victims of cybercrimes. Furthermore, they provide educational content and support groups to connect victims with others who have a shared experience.
- Cyber Civil Rights Initiative. CCRI is a non-profit that combats cybercrimes that infringe on the civil liberties of internet users. They help advise legislation to protect internet users and provide support and guidance for victims.
- Office for Victims of Crime. This government agency helps connect victims with resources that can help aid their recovery. Additionally, the work to promote awareness and provide training materials for victim assistance professionals.
You can learn more in our article covering the top resources for blackmail victims. And if you’re a victim of blackmail on Teams, there is hope for a successful recovery. Call our Blackmail Helpline to speak with one of our specialists and see how we can assist you.
