Content

• Steps
• Advice

Extortion is an offense that uses threats to force a victim to give money, personal property or serve against his or her will. The extortionist often threatens to use force, disclose sensitive information or harm the victim's loved one in order to achieve the purpose. Dealing with blackmail can be a very stressful process. Knowing how to best handle and prevent this situation in the future will help reduce the pressure and anxiety you deal with when dealing with blackmail.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Dealing with blackmail

1. 

   Assess situation. Opportunists may find ways to take advantage of very small clues to blackmail. They may overhear some secret conversation and exploit them, or they have sensitive images in their hands and threaten to release them if their demands are not met. When assessing a situation, be honest and considerate. Think how damaging the information in the extender's hands can be, and if that person is a real threat. You should consider the following aspects:
   • Is your job at risk? Are you in danger of losing your job if that information is disclosed?
   • Does this situation endanger others? Even if you are not harmed, will someone suffer physical or emotional loss as a result of extortion?
   • What is the worst possible scenario? Blackmail isn't just annoying. It can lead to irreparable damage both physically and mentally. Based on the identity of the blackmailer, assess the worst-case consequences and ask yourself if the consequences are too serious to be ignored.

2. 

   
   
   Reacting to a known blackmailer. Unfortunately, blackmail often comes from people you know, have even trusted - friends, classmates, ex, even family members. A close relationship with a blackmailer can make it difficult to resolve the situation by dealing with the law.
   • If the person is someone you know, this is often in the form of "cheating", requiring you to get close or prolong a relationship in exchange for their failure to disclose information. This is still blackmail, and you have the right to the protection of the law.
   • If the threat can affect your physical safety, you need to Immediately report to law enforcement. Even if you haven't taken any action right then, it's helpful to have the extortion filed with you in the event that legal action is needed.
   • If you need to share it with someone to relieve the pressure of the extortionist threatening to reveal your sexual orientation or gender identity, you can contact a support center for the LGBT community. However, you should note them can not help you handle blackmail cases directly. They are volunteer advisors, not legal professionals and cannot be a substitute for the authority.

3. 

   
   
   Talk to someone you trust. When faced with problems, anxiety causes us to often exaggerate a situation. In times like these, it's a good idea to seek advice from someone who is sincere and trustworthy.
   • You can put your trust in people like a religious leader, a friend, or a psychotherapist.
   • Outsiders can provide an overview of the situation. Even if they can't help you find a solution, you'll be more relieved to know that you're not alone.

4. 

   
   
   Stripping the extortionist's weapon. If you find that the information does not pose a significant danger, disclose it yourself before the extortionist has a chance.
   • By doing this, you will neutralize the weapon that the blackmailer has.
   • This also shows your strength through honesty and dare to take responsibility.
   • Thereby, you can also receive sympathy and support from friends and family.
   • Making things public will help you control the rumors surrounding that information and bring the extortionist with their evil conspiracy to light.

5. 

   Keep all evidence of blackmail. Keep all photos and any legal conversations between you and the blackmailer. Save voice mail and record conversations.
   • All of the above information is necessary for attorneys and law enforcement to determine if your case is eligible for prosecution.

6. 

   Seek legal action. If you find the information that extortionists use to threaten it too dangerous to be disclosed, contact the law.
   • Law enforcement includes employees trained to prosecute blackmailers.
   • They can protect you from health harm from extortionists.
   • While it may not be easy, you may be asked to extend the negotiation process with the extortionist. This is because many cases require written or recorded proof of the threat to accompany the request for money. Do whatever the police ask you, no matter how difficult or painful it is.

7. 

   Hire an attorney if necessary. Law enforcement will tell you if a lawyer can help you protect your rights.
   • Lawyers are knowledgeable about the legal system and can propose solutions that ordinary people do not know.
   • With good grounds, lawyers can successfully prosecute blackmail cases and put perpetrators in prison.

8. 

   Never handle everything yourself. Do not act thoughtlessly or seek revenge. I commit serious offense and will receive the proper punishment on my own.
   • By injuring, terrorizing, or trying to harm a blackmailer, you are committing the crime yourself, and you narrow your chances of getting fair.
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Part 2 of 3: Protecting your case against extortionists

1. 

   Keep records in a safe place. Records containing sensitive information can be stored in a safe or locked filing cabinet at a bank.

2. 

   Keep only what is needed. Some items need long-term storage, others can be destroyed within a limited time.
   • Never throw tax records away. These records should be submitted and kept in case of need for comparison. Online or electronic tax preparation services like Quickbooks or TaxACT keep your tax records for an annual fee.
   • Keep all records relating to property ownership. In the event of divorce, property dispute or bankruptcy, keep all records of mortgage and home ownership.
   • Keep a record of receiving retirement. This is to avoid overpaying taxes and to keep track of any contributions.
   • Keep donation records and investment reports for 3 years.
   • Cancellation of ATM withdrawals, bank statements, money orders and credit card purchases. Once you have checked each invoice with your bank's e-statement, destroy all documents.

3. 

   Buy shredder. Using a shredder is the safest way to get rid of any sensitive records, unnecessary bills, copies and expired credit cards.Shredders come in many different forms, but cross-cutters are safest. advertisement

Part 3 of 3: Protecting electronic information against blackmailers

1. 

   Password protection. This means work never share passwords via email or chat. You should also use password management software like Last Pass or Keepass, where your passwords will be encrypted and stored until you need them.

2. 

   Do not save passwords in the browser. Some browsers have password saving options when you visit certain websites. If you share a computer with another person, any user can see your bank account information, email or other personal data.

3. 

   Protect sensitive files. Password protect files that you don't want others to see and / or consider storing sensitive files on a portable hard drive for storage in your personal safe or bank insurance locker.

4. 

   Use an anti-virus program. This way the new virus will not harm your computer.
   • Trojans can take your information from your hard drive, even control your computer's camera, and take pictures when you're not paying attention.
   • Ransomware can encrypt all information on the hard drive and not return it until it is paid for.

5. 

   Beware of insecure wi-fi networks. While it is easy to be tempted to connect to an insecure network because it is free to use, when you view sensitive or private information over an unsecured network, others can see it.

6. 

   Prevent and report "phishing" (phishing attack). Phishing occurs when you receive an email disguised as a legitimate person, website or service provider that you trust, in which they ask you for personal or sensitive financial information. cold.
   • Legal service providers will never request that you provide them with such information via email, as this puts you at security risk.
   • If you receive emails of this type, most email platforms have a "Report" feature that notifies providers of these threats to disable them.
   • Handling electronic waste properly. Before you throw away old hard drives for recycling - even hard drives that don't work - you need to be sure to erase all personal information with a final "scan". This ensures that no one can try to get the information in it.
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Advice

• Note that some courts differentiate between "intimidation" and "blackmail" and each subject is treated differently, based on a variety of evidence. Seek advice from a lawyer about laws pertaining to your legal rights.