Microsoft Teams has entirely replaced Skype as Microsoft’s flagship communications platform. The change has attracted the attention of threat actors, leading to a significant increase in phishing, impersonation, blackmail, and extortion.
According to Fox News, more than 300 million people worldwide use Microsoft Teams, making it a prime target for threat actors. These scammers leverage social engineering tactics, such as phishing, quishing, and vishing.
It’s critical that victims report the incident promptly. Correctly documenting evidence of the attack and collaborating with the appropriate agencies can make all the difference. Continue reading to learn how to report blackmail on Teams properly.
How Microsoft Teams (Skype) Blackmail & Sextortion Works
Cybercriminals will often encounter their target on another platform, such as social media or a dating app. Once they’ve built a base-level bond, the blackmailer will move the conversation to Skype. They often explain that they want less restrictive communication or propose a video call to initiate this move.
Once on the platform, the perpetrator will initiate a conversation that compels the target to convey some form of clandestine content. They will then record video calls and screenshot messages to obtain leverage that can be used to extort the target.
Fraudsters aim to trick victims into paying a ransom amount or providing confidential information, such as personally identifiable information (PII), personal health information (PHI), credit card numbers, or military secrets.
Why Users Are Vulnerable
Skype’s communication features allow users to easily share personal and intimate information. The video call aspect often gives users an unsound sense of security that their conversations won’t leave behind any remnants and that they can trust the person they see on their screen.
However, video calls can easily be recorded without the knowledge of the other party. On top of that, many cybercriminals will use loops of recorded videos to make their target believe they are talking with somebody completely different.
The Emotional Impact
The effects of blackmail on Skype extend far beyond the financial implications of extortion. Cybercriminals play on their target’s trust to obtain their personal data, whether it be through posing as a romantic interest, professional contact, or an established and trusted entity.
Blackmail is a serious issue that can have a profound impact on the mental and emotional well-being of its victims. Many feel an immense mix of shame, fear, and anxiety. Far too many cases go unreported because the victim feels too embarrassed or afraid to seek help. It’s important to remember that you are not alone — and there is a path to remedia
How to Report Blackmail & Sextortion on Microsoft Teams (Skype)
Before you report a blackmail incident on Teams, it’s important to understand why documenting these incidents is essential. Reporting not only helps increase your chances of recovery and holding the perpetrator accountable, but it also creates a safer environment for all Teams users. Furthermore, it enables law enforcement and cybersecurity professionals to track trends and tailor their efforts accordingly.
Immediate Steps to Take
If you are being blackmailed on Teams, it’s imperative that you act immediately. You should take the following steps as soon as you recognize that you are at risk of being extorted:
- Do Not Pay the Blackmailer. Paying a blackmailer will not make them go away — it will only incentivize them to continue extorting you.
- Document Everything. Take screenshots of profiles, chat logs, and any content that was shared with you or displays threatening messages.
- Don’t Block the Blackmailer. Blocking may seem like a quick fix, but we do not recommend doing this immediately because it may make the situation worse.
- Report to Teams. Use the evidence you’ve collected to report the user to the platform and protect yourself and others from future harassment.
Reporting Blackmail & Sextortion to the Microsoft Teams Administrator
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 addition, you may encounter channel messages or chats with external or internal users in Microsoft Teams. Under such circumstances, you must immediately report it as either inappropriate content (e.g., nudity, violence, cyber harassment, or disturbing content) or a security risk (e.g., phishing, spam, or malicious content).
It’s important to note that, in some cases, the admin needs to confirm whether the reporting feature is enabled. Otherwise, you may not be allowed to choose the reason for reporting the concerning message.
Moreover, 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.
How to Report Blackmail on Teams Chat
1. Open the Microsoft Teams chat and select the concerning message. Click on the three dots (…) that appear in the pop-up.
Figure 1: Selecting a Concerning or Blackmail Message on Teams
2. Click on “Report a concern” from the list.
Figure 2: Report a Concern
3. Select a reason for your reporting.
Figure 3: Selecting a Reason
4. Include any additional details and submit the report.
How to Report on Teams Communities
1. Open the community you wish to report.
Figure 4: Open Communities
2. Tap the name of the community to open the “Your Communities” menu. After that, select “More options” (…) to the right of the community’s name.
Figure 5: More options (…)
3. Select “Report a concern.”
Figure 6: Report Concern for Community
4. Select a reason and submit the report.
Figure 7: Select Reason and Submit
How to Report Blackmail or Phishing on Microsoft Outlook
If you receive a phishing email regarding Teams, Microsoft Outlook features a built-in button to report phishing or junk emails. You can report a suspicious message as “Junk” from the “Inbox” or any email folder other than the “Junk Email” folder.
How to Contact Microsoft Teams (Skype) Support About Blackmail or Sextortion?
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. Selecting another reason for your support request may connect you with a support number or an online 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, the cybercriminal may create a new account. If they know your username, they can 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 or 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 the right to identify and confront their accusers. As such, there’s a chance that a 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 other online platform for several reasons. For starters, reporting to the system administrator can result in malicious accounts being removed. This helps protect you and others from future cybercrime.
Building upon this, collaborating with law enforcement and cybersecurity agencies can help identify the blackmailer and document the crime.
Report Blackmail on Teams to Law Enforcement
After submitting a blackmail report to Teams administrators, your next step should be to work with law enforcement. Cooperating with authorities 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, they can help you determine what your next move should 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 cyber-enabled crime reports in the United States. They encourage you to report your case, even if you are unsure whether it meets their criteria for cybercrime.
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 the contact information for yourself or the complainant.
- If you lose money, report the total loss and the method of transaction.
- Provide as much information about 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 levels in the United States. Legal protections enable victims to pursue criminal or civil action depending on their location.
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 can reach up to 10 years in prison, depending on the severity of the crime.
Securing Your Microsoft Teams Account and Devices After a Scam
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 suspicious 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 to generate and store your passwords.
- 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.
Additional Support and Resources for Teams (Skype) Blackmail Victims
There are additional resources available that can help you gather evidence, report the incident, and recover from the attack.
- Cybercrime Support Network. This non-profit works to assist victims of cybercrime. Furthermore, they provide educational content and support groups to connect victims with others who share their 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 support their recovery. Additionally, they 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 and Sextortion Helpline to speak with one of our specialists and see how we can assist you.
FAQs
What is blackmail?
Relationships online these days sometimes take an intimate turn. People share sexy pictures, exchange videos, and engage in sexual talk. It might seem like just having fun, but sometimes it leads to blackmail.
Extortion of this kind is also known as “sextortion,” and it can involve money or a demand for more sexual images.
We have handled thousands of these cases and know all their criminal tricks. In the vast majority of cases, we stop them from ever sharing any intimate images or private information.
How can I protect myself?
It is increasingly challenging to identify criminals online these days. They hide behind fake email addresses and social media profiles, and sometimes they invest weeks in trying to gain your trust.
Never share personal information online. Don’t share private photos or videos. Don’t trust social media friend requests from strangers.
If it is not something you want the world to know, don’t share it online.
Should I pay the blackmail fee?
You should never pay a blackmailer. These people have hundreds of victims, but once you pay, they will put the focus on you. They will demand more money and turn up the pressure. There is no amount of money you can pay them to make this end. They will bleed you dry.
Tell me about your company.
Our team includes digital forensics engineers, social engineering experts, and lawyers trained in cyber law. We can track down cybercriminals worldwide using our proprietary technology. We know their tactics and how to beat them.
Can you stop this from happening?
We have helped thousands of people who find themselves trapped in this horrible situation. More than 90 percent of the time, we prevent the release of private materials.
Do you keep all of this strictly confidential?
Yes. A non-disclosure agreement protects every detail of your case. We will never use your information for any purpose other than to resolve your case, and the findings of our report will only be discussed with authorized parties.
