Cybercrime is on an astronomic rise. Some experts even predict that the global cost of cybercrime could eclipse $10 trillion dollars in 2025. And of all the cybercrime complaints reported to the IC3 in 2024, extortion was the second highest with over 86,000 reports. Our current interconnected digital environment allows criminals to target anyone from anywhere in the world. Because of this, it’s critical that cybersecurity experts are able to uncover the true location and identity of these bad actors. Continue reading to learn more about how investigators trace online blackmailers.
How Investigators Trace Online Blackmailers
Every device that connects to the internet has a numerical code, called an IP address. At Digital Forensics Corp., our expert digital forensics investigators use a proprietary process called IP to Location ID to track down the IP address, service providers and geographic locations used by online blackmailers. That provides specific, solid evidence that law enforcement can use to take swift action.
Furthermore, each online interaction leaves a trail of code that can be traced back to the source. For example, shared files contain metadata that can reveal the file’s origin, devices used to create it, and history of alteration. This data can be used to trace a file back to the person who sent it, revealing their true identity.
Digital investigators may also choose to take a more human approach. For example, our analysts can step in and take over communication with the blackmailer in your role. This allows our team to discreetly gather intel on the perpetrator without raising any red flags. Combining this with technical strategies like tracker links can yield successful results in tracking online blackmailers.
Challenges in Investigation
Online blackmail and sextortion can be frustrating crimes to investigate. These criminals work remotely via the internet, can be anywhere, and do everything in their power to mask their identity and location.
Some of the factors that challenge how investigators trace online blackmailers include:
- Spoofed Contact Information. Blackmailers will edit the headers of emails and spoof caller IDs to mask their true identity.
- VPNs and Proxy Servers. This technology can make it appear as though somebody is connecting to the internet in a different location.
- Numerous Accounts. Blackmailers can create and delete online accounts rapidly, making it difficult to tie the abuse back to one user.
- Jurisdiction Limitations. Even after uncovering the geolocation of a blackmailer, there is still the issue of collaborating with law enforcement in that region.
- Lack of Reporting. Some victims may feel too scared or embarrassed to notify the proper authorities.
Local police may struggle to track the criminals down through all the bogus email and social accounts they hide behind. Professional digital forensics examiners, however, have the resources and knowledge necessary to tackle these tough cases.
An Example of Digital Forensics in Action
In one recent case, Digital Forensics Corp. helped a church employee caught in just such a trap. He was a widower and had become Facebook friends with a woman. Her profile seemed specifically designed to attract him — because it was. She was attractive, and she seemed to share all of his interests. He was being set up. It’s called social engineering, and it is used to manipulate people online.
The virtual relationship went on for months as the woman built up a false sense of trust. Eventually, things took a romantic turn. They exchanged revealing photos. The ones he sent were genuine, but the ones he received in exchange were fake. Then, the woman suggested he send her a sexy video, and he did. The next message he got was a demand for money.
When he called Digital Forensics Corp., he was desperate, believing his life and reputation were in ruins. In this case, however, the forensics examiners turned the tables. The first step was to identify every means of communication the blackmailer used, whether it was email, text messages, social media, or other digital methods. In this instance, the blackmailer had used Facebook and a company that provided a virtual phone number, which was used for text messages.
Next, examiners used our IP to Location ID process and got the suspect’s IP address. Examiners also identified the internet service provider along with the type of device used. The client was able to take all this evidence to the police. With that arsenal of information, police went to the service platforms to quickly access the suspect’s name, billing information, and location.
The perpetrator turned out to be in another state, but local police contacted officers there, and an arrest was made quickly. This past case exemplifies how investigators trace online blackmailers. Without data analysis, IP tracing, and law enforcement collaboration, a successful arrest would likely have not been in the cards.
The Future of Digital Forensics: How Investigators Can Trace Online Blackmailers Moving Forward
As technology advances, so do the tactics of online blackmailers. This is evident in the recent explosion of AI technology and its subsequent misuse by cybercriminals. Digital investigators need to keep pace. It’s important that strategies for how investigators trace online blackmailers evolve with the threats they are intended to combat.
The following are areas where cybersecurity experts predict emphasis will be placed in the near future:
- AI-Powered Analysis. Criminals are using the tech to automate and enhance their attacks already. Cybersecurity experts would be wise to continue utilizing this tool to analyze large quantities of data for anomalies.
- Deepfake Detection. Piggybacking off the previous point, AI has enabled criminals to create extremely convincing deepfake As this media becomes increasingly lifelike, investigators must be able to distinguish real from fake.
- Cloud Forensics. Many people opt to use cloud storage networks rather than physical storage methods. Digital investigators must continue adapting their practices to be able to extract crucial evidence from these environments.
- Blockchain Integrity. Originally developed to track cryptocurrency transactions, the blockchain can also be utilized by cybersecurity experts. Investigators can apply blockchain and cryptographic technology to preserve evidence, establish a chain of custody, and improve incident reporting.
It’s important to be aware of these expected shifts in cybersecurity, as well as the ever-evolving landscape of cybercrime. You can find the latest expert advice right here at the Digital Forensics Corp. blog library. And if you ever need help tracing a blackmailer, you can count on the team of experts at DFC. Contact us to get started with a free consultation today.
