Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Dealing with blackmail
• Part 2 of 3: Protect your physical files from blackmail
• Part 3 of 3: Protect digital and online information from blackmail
• Tips

Blackmail is a crime. It involves threatening someone against their will to obtain money, services or personal belongings. Often times, these threats involve physical violence, disclosing sensitive information, or harming a loved one. Dealing with blackmail can be a stressful experience. Get to know the best way to deal with this problem and how to avoid it in the future. This can help deal with the stress and anxiety you will experience when you are blackmailed.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Dealing with blackmail

1. Evaluate the situation. Opportunists can create a chassis situation based on a weak assumption. Perhaps they have overheard a sensitive conversation and are trying to exploit it. Or they may have gotten their hands on sensitive photos and are threatening to release them if their demands are not met. Evaluating the situation requires honesty and introspection. Ask yourself how harmful the information is and whether the blackmailer is a real threat to you. Some things to consider are:
   • Is your job at risk? Would disclosing information endanger your employment?
   • Are you putting someone else in danger? Even though you have not been hurt yourself, could someone else suffer physical or emotional damage as a result of the blackmail?
   • What's the worst that could happen? Real blackmail is more than just an inconvenience. It can cause irreparable damage, both physical and emotional. Based on who is blackmailing, you should try to estimate the worst possible situation. Ask yourself if that's serious enough not to ignore.
2. Respond to a blackmailer you know. Unfortunately, it is all too common for the blackmailer to be someone you once trusted - friends, fellow students, ex-partners, and even family. If you have a close relationship with the blackmailer, it can be difficult to call the police.
   • When it is someone we know it is often some form of "emotional blackmail", in other words forcing intimacy or not wanting to end a relationship by threatening to reveal sensitive information. This remains blackmail and in this case you are also entitled to legal protection.
   • If the threats focus on your physical safety, you must notify the police immediately. Even if immediate action is not taken, making a statement will help if legal action is ever taken.
   • If the person you are blackmailing threatens to disclose your sexual orientation or gender identity and if you wish to talk to someone about those specific aspects of your personality and possible stress all of this is causing, there are special LGBT centers that will help you. can contact us. But know that they cannot help you with the blackmail itself. These are voluntary therapists and not legal experts and therefore cannot replace the police.
3. Discuss it with a friend you trust. When faced with a problem, your own fear can sometimes cause you to disproportionate the situation. At times like this, it is a good idea to seek advice from someone trustworthy and honest.
   • A counselor can be a clergyman, a friend, or a therapist.
   • Hearing a different opinion can give you a new perspective on the situation. Even if that person is unable to find a solution, you will benefit emotionally from the knowledge that you are not alone.
4. Take the initiative yourself. If you think the information poses no real threat to you, you can reveal the information yourself before the blackmailer has a chance to do so.
   • This ensures that the blackmailer no longer has anything in his hands.
   • It shows your strength by being honest and taking responsibility yourself.
   • Your friends and family will appreciate and support you.
   • Confessing something gives you control over the information and makes it possible to highlight the blackmailer's bad intentions.
5. Keep all evidence of blackmail. Do not throw away clear photos or evidence of contact between you and the blackmailer. Save the conversations in your voicemail and record telephone conversations.
   • This is all information that a lawyer or detective will need if your case goes to court.
6. Contact the police. If, after a thorough evaluation of the situation, you still think that the information would be too much of a threat should it be disclosed, you should contact the police.
   • The police are specially trained to start a case against your blackmailer.
   • The police can ensure that you are protected against physical attacks.
   • While it can be painful, the police may ask you to extend your negotiations with the blackmailer. This is because blackmail requires written or recorded evidence of the threats, in addition to a request for payment. Make sure you do what the police ask you to do, even though it can be difficult or painful at times.
7. If necessary, engage a lawyer. The police will be able to tell you if a lawyer is recommended.
   • Lawyers have a deep understanding of the legal system and can propose solutions that other people would never come up with.
   • With valid reasons, a lawyer can take the blackmailer to court and ensure that the criminal is effectively sent to jail.
8. Never take matters into your own hands. Do not act violently or seek revenge. Blackmail is a serious crime and carries severe penalties.
   • By injuring, chasing, or otherwise attempting to harm the blackmailer, you will lower yourself to criminal behavior and significantly reduce the chances of justice.

Part 2 of 3: Protect your physical files from blackmail

1. Keep everything safe. Physical files containing sensitive information can be stored in a safe in a bank, in a personal safe or in a lockable cabinet.
2. Keep only what is necessary. Some documents do not need to be kept for a long time; others can be destroyed after a certain time.
   • Never throw away any tax related documents. These should be kept in case of a check. Often online services such as Quickbooks or TaxACT will store the data about your taxes, albeit against payment.
   • Keep all documents pertaining to a property. In the event of a divorce, a property disagreement, or bankruptcy, you will be required to provide all documents relating to mortgages and property.
   • Keep documents about your pension. This is to avoid overpaying taxes and to keep track of all contributions.
   • Retain all charity donation and investment records for 3 years.
   • Destroy ATM statements, bank statements and credit card information. After you have compared each document with your electronic bank statements and your credit card information, you must destroy these documents.
3. Buy a shredder. A shredder is the safest way to destroy sensitive documents, insignificant receipts, duplicate documents and expired credit cards. Different types are available; however, devices with several saw blades offer the most safety.

Part 3 of 3: Protect digital and online information from blackmail

1. Protect your passwords. This means you should never share it while chatting or in an email. It is also recommended to use a password manager such as Last Pass or Keepass as it encrypts stored passwords until you need them.
2. Never save your passwords in your browser. Some browsers allow you to save your passwords when you visit certain websites. If you are not the only person using this computer, it means that other people can see your bank details, emails and other personal information.
3. Protect sensitive files. Password protect files you don't want to share with others, or consider storing sensitive files on an external hard drive that you can then keep in a safe.
4. Use an antivirus program. The new generation of viruses do more than just damage your computer.
   • Trojans can steal information from your hard drive and even check your computer's camera and take pictures while you don't notice.
   • Ransomware can encrypt all information on a hard drive and refuse to release it until a penalty is paid.
5. Watch out for unsecured Wi-Fi networks. While it may be tempting to use an unsecured network and not pay for Wi-Fi, viewing sensitive or private information on an unsecured network invites others to watch.
6. Avoid and report "phishing". Phishing involves receiving an email from someone posing as a legitimate person, website or service provider that you trust, asking for sensitive financial or personal information.
   • Real service providers will never ask for this type of information via email, as doing so would expose you to security risks.
   • If you receive such an email, be aware that most email platforms have a "Report" feature to notify the service provider of the threat so that it can be addressed.
   • Dispose of electronic waste properly. Before you recycle old hard drives - even those that no longer work - make sure there is no more personal information to be found. This way you can be sure that no one will get hold of that information.

Tips

• Note that some judicial districts differentiate between extortion and manipulation and that both are treated differently when the burden of proof is piling up. Consult a lawyer to find out about the specific laws where you live.