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For anyone who has been confronted with the threat of sextortion, they likely ask some version of the same question. “Will Your Sextortionist Follow Through?” In cases of sextortion, where a cybercriminal threatens to release sexual content of a victim unless they pay them, this is a real question and one that Digital Forensics Corp. receives daily from sextortion victims. In short, the answer is maybe. From a recent 2023 survey conducted by Digital Forensics Corp. *, there was a 45% chance that, even if paid, a blackmailer could still follow through with their threat and release the incriminating images or videos they had of their victim. While this number is frightening, it is important to know that there are steps that any victim can take to prevent a sextortionist from following through and steps that can be taken if they do follow through.
For most sextortion scams, the goal of their blackmail is not to embarrass or humiliate their victim. Their goal is to hold leverage over their victim to extort them for as much money as possible. By using fear tactics and citing their ability to ruin their victim’s reputation, their hope is that they can continuously send request for money in exchange for continued silence. Depending on the victim, this extortion can begin at a low dollar amount and build overtime with the cybercriminal continuously testing the victim’s desire to keep their content private. Below is a list of the top reasons why sextortionist do not typically release the content they have on their victims.
While this does not offer proper insurance against the potential release of a victim’s content, it can give the victim time to fight back.
A blackmailer’s decision to follow through with their sextortion threats is often influenced by certain factors:
If you or someone you know is a victim of sextortion, there are important steps you can take to decrease the likelihood of the sextortionist following through with their threats. You are not powerless and there are actions you can take instead of giving into their demands.
Many victims of blackmail hope that ignoring their blackmailer will protect them from the danger of exposure. While this is not an effective way to ensure your blackmailer will stop, you should cease communication with the blackmailer to the best of your ability. In addition, do not pay a blackmailer threatening you with sextortion. While the messaging your blackmailer may use promises they will delete the content if you pay them, that is a ploy to ensure they receive the first payment. Once the payment is received, most blackmailers will begin to send messages more frequently increasing their threats and demands.
Step 2: Report Your Blackmailer
When reporting a blackmailer, it is important to inform the proper authorities and services that can help you not only report your blackmailer’s crimes but also increase your chances of stopping them from releasing the content.
File A Report With Local Authorities.
Filing a report with local law enforcement is a good first step in dealing with digital blackmail. Not only will you be able to file a report, but local law enforcement may provide guidance on whether you should file further reports with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Report Your Blackmailer on the Application:
If your blackmailer used any social applications to conduct their scam, it is important that you report them on these sites. Getting their account suspended/removed can decrease their ability to release the explicit content to your personal network. Below is a list of helpful resources with instructions on how to report sextortion on major dating and social media applications.
When filing any of these reports, it is important that you know you will not be asked by any legitimate organization or law enforcement officer to showcase any of the intimate content being used to blackmail you. You will only be asked to submit screenshots or other evidence showing the threat and the account the messages originated from.
At Digital Forensics Corp, we employ digital forensics, social engineering, and legal experts that work tirelessly to fight back against cyber criminals like online blackmailers and sextortionists. Our mission is to end digital blackmail and restore our clients’ peace of mind by working on their behalf to:
As an added measure to protect our clients’ reputation, we deploy different strategies to reduce potential exposure removing the threat of blackmail and restoring peace of mind.
If you or someone you love is facing sextortion, please contact our Sextortion Helpline for immediate assistance 24/7. Our experts can provide a complimentary review of your current situation and equip you with the information you need to move forward.
Sources:
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.
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