Extortion is a crime because it uses threats to force someone to give money, services, or personal property against their will. Often, threats that result in blackmail involve physical violence, exposure of sensitive information, or ill-treatment of loved ones. Dealing with blackmail can be a long and stressful process. Knowing the right approach to dealing with this problem and how to prevent it in the future can help relieve stress and anxiety when dealing with blackmail.
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Part 1 of 3: Dealing with Blackmail
Step 1. Assess the reasons for the blackmail
Opportunists may try to extort blackmail with a weak premise. They may overhear sensitive conversations and try to take advantage of them, or have sensitive photos and threaten to expose them if demands are not met. If you want to study a blackmail situation, you must be honest and introspective. Do an analysis to find out how much damage the information will do, and whether the blackmailer could actually threaten you. Some things to consider include:
- Is your job at stake? If the information is disclosed will your ability to keep your job be jeopardized?
- Are you harming other people? Even if you don't feel wronged, will anyone else bear the physical or emotional damage caused by the blackmail?
- What's the worst thing that could happen? Real blackmail doesn't just cause discomfort. It also causes irreparable damage, either physically or emotionally. After obtaining information on which parties were involved in the extortion, assess what the worst that could happen. Whether the impact is severe enough that the threat cannot be ignored.
Step 2. Respond to a blackmailer you know
Unfortunately, extortion is often carried out by people we know and once trusted, such as friends, fellow students, ex-partners, and even family. If we are close to the perpetrator, it may be difficult to get help from law enforcement.
- If we know the perpetrator, they often do it as a form of “emotional blackmail” to gain intimacy or maintain a relationship on the pretext that the information will not be disclosed. This act is blackmail and you are entitled to protection under the law.
- If the threat you make could affect your physical safety, you should immediately report it to the police. Even if no violence has been committed yet, recording threats can help in your case if legal action is needed.
- If the blackmailer threatens to expose your sexual orientation, even though you haven't decided to tell anyone else, consider contacting an organization that supports this. They have counsellors, chat buddies and an emergency hotline to help you deal with this crisis emotionally.
Step 3. Discuss with a friend you trust
When faced with a problem, the anxiety we feel often causes us to exaggerate the situation. At times like this, it never hurts to seek advice from a trusted and honest person.
- A trusted person may be a religious leader, friend, or therapist.
- Getting an outside opinion gives you a different perspective. Even if they can't help provide a solution, at least you get the emotional benefit of knowing that you're not alone in this situation.
Step 4. Release the pressure
If you realize that the information does not pose a significant threat, disclose the information yourself before the blackmailer has the opportunity to do so.
- This action removes the power that the extortionist has.
- That way, you show strength through honesty and taking personal responsibility.
- This will bring sympathy and support from friends and family.
- Being honest allows you to be in control of the story surrounding the information while exposing the blackmailer's negative intentions.
Step 5. Save all evidence of blackmail
Retain all photos or transcripts relating to the extortion. Save voice messages and record phone conversations between you and the blackmailer.
Law enforcement or attorneys will decide whether your case can be heard on the basis of that information
Step 6. Ask law enforcement for help
If after conducting the assessment you feel the information poses too much of a threat to disclose, contact the police.
- Police are trained to know how to file lawsuits against blackmailers.
- The police can ensure that you are protected from threats of physical violence.
- As painful as it is, the police may ask you to extend negotiations with the blackmailer. This is because, in many jurisdictions, extortion requires written or recorded evidence of a threat along with a ransom demand. Make sure you do what the police tell you to do, even if it's difficult or painful.
Step 7. Hire a lawyer if needed
The police will be able to tell if a lawyer can protect your interests.
- Lawyers have a thorough understanding of the legal system and may be able to come up with solutions that other people don't think of.
- With reasonable reasons, lawyers can sue extortionists to court and ensure the perpetrators spend some time in prison.
Step 8. Don't try to tackle the blackmail problem alone
It's also best not to act rashly or try to get revenge. Extortion is a serious crime and has serious legal consequences.
By harming, molesting, or trying to harm a blackmailer, you are engaging in criminal activity and reducing the chances of getting justice
Part 2 of 3: Protecting Physical Files Against Extortion
Step 1. Save the file safely
Physical files containing sensitive information can be stored in safe deposit boxes at banks, in safes, or in lockable filing cabinets.
Step 2. Save only the necessary files
Some documents have to be stored for long term, while others can be destroyed after a certain period of time.
- Never throw away tax records. These records should be compiled and retained in the event of an audit. Often online tax services will keep tax records for a certain period of time.
- Keep all records related to home ownership. In the event of a divorce, property dispute, or bankruptcy, keep all records relating to mortgages and home ownership.
- Keep records of retirement income. This can prevent overpayments and keep track of all taxes that have been paid.
- Keep records of infaq or alms payments and investment statements for 3 years.
- Destroy ATM receipts, banking statements, deposit slips, and credit card statements. After you have checked all electronic banking transaction receipts and credit card statements, destroy these receipts.
Step 3. Purchase a shredder
Using a shredder is the safest way to get rid of sensitive documents, unnecessary receipts, copies of receipts, expired credit cards. There are several types of shredders on the market. However, a shredder that cuts paper into small pieces provides the highest level of security.
Part 3 of 3: Protecting Digital and Online Information Against Extortion
Step 1. Password protect
That means never share it via email or online chat. There's nothing wrong with using a password manager app like Last Pass or Keepass, which encrypts saved passwords until you need them.
Step 2. Do not save the password in the browser (browser)
Some browsers provide the option to save passwords when you visit certain websites. If you share your computer with other people, it means they can see your banking information, email, or other personal data.
Step 3. Protect sensitive files
Password protect files that you don't want others to see and/or consider saving sensitive files to an external hard disk that can be stored in a personal safe or bank deposit box.
Step 4. Use an antivirus program
The new generation of viruses doesn't just damage computers.
- Trojan viruses can retrieve information from your hard disk, even take control of your computer's camera and take pictures when you're not aware of it.
- Ransomware can encrypt all the information stored on the hard disk, and refuse to recover it until you pay a certain amount of money.
Step 5. Beware of unsecured wi-fi networks
It may be tempting to use an unsecured connection because you don't want to pay the wi-fi fee, but viewing sensitive or private information over an insecure network is giving others a chance to see it too.
Step 6. Avoid and report “phishing”
Phishing occurs when you receive an email from someone pretending to be a legitimate party, website or internet service provider requesting sensitive financial or personal account information.
- Authorized internet service providers will never ask for this kind of information via email as it will compromise your security.
- If you receive an email like this, please report it. Most email platforms have a “Report” function to notify service providers of a threat so that it can be addressed immediately.
- Dispose of e-waste properly. Before recycling hard disks, even hard disks that are no longer working, make sure all personal information has been removed by performing a final “wipe”. This step ensures that anyone who tries to pry into the information won't be able to do so.
