In this new era, blackmail has become a growing issue affecting people all over the world. With the rising use of social media, digital communication and online transactions, this manipulative activity has become more common and easier to execute.
The impact of this unscrupulous act on victims is always very devastating. It puts constant fear, depression and emotional distress on the victim. This act can also cause massive financial loss and in worse cases even suicide.
This is why we have put together this article to educate people on how they can get rid of blackmailers.
What Is Blackmail?
Blackmail occurs when an individual threatens to release private, damaging or embarrassing information about someone unless certain demands are met. It is actually a form of psychological manipulation that capitalises on people’s fear, shame or vulnerability to get what they want.
Types Of Blackmail
- Personal: It involves threats to reveal secrets, past mistakes or private information. This kind often occurs in romantic relationships, friendships or even family matters
- Financial: The perpetrator demands money in exchange for keeping a secret
- Cyber/Online: This often happens through email, social media or online messaging platforms. In this case, there are digital threats such as hacking, leaking personal data and whatnot
- Sextortion: It is a form Cyber blackmailing where the affected person is threatened with the exposure of intimate photos or videos
- Workplace: In a professional setup, a colleague, superior or subordinate may coerce another into doing something against their will. Demands may range from favors to promotion to money.
- Revenge: The goal of anyone who takes this road is to tarnish the oppressed’s image. For this reason, those who threaten others usually do not seek financial gain.
Getting Rid Of Blackmailers (A Step By Step Guide)
Below are the things you should do when you find yourself in this situation:
1. Don’t give them what they want
Panicking and giving in to their request will only make things worse. If you don’t pay the ransom, they may still harass you but, it’s better than becoming their slave and letting them control you and make demands while you struggle to comply. In all this, always remember to stay as calm as you can.
2. Stop communicating with the blackmailer
Imagine someone tries to manipulate you with your nude pictures. Then the instant you see the message, you ignore and block them. By doing this, you send a clear message to the coercer: you are not controlled by their threats. All Blackmailers thrive on their victim’s fear and constant engagement therefore, the more you beg and follow their orders, the more you give them power to hurt you. To take power from them, stay away from any further communication.
3. Protect all of your accounts
The next step is to reset the passwords for any messaging applications or social media accounts you think may have been compromised. If the offender is a hacker or is close enough to know some of your account login credentials, this is incredibly helpful.
4. Compile all the evidence you have of the blackmail attempt
Take screenshots and keep a record of every conversation you have with the criminal. This is crucial because, should you want to file a lawsuit or police report, you would surely require proof that you were actually blackmailed.
5. Report the case
You have two options for reporting the offender; you can use one or both.
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- You can notify the platform the person used to manipulate you. Fortunately, platforms like Gmail, Instagram and Facebook allow users to report such activities. You may contact them through their customer service number or email and explain your situation.
- File a complaint with local police, cyber crime unit or INTERPOL. Present every evidence you have to the security authority. Doing this will help increase your chances of saving the situation before it gets out of hands. It also gives you some peace of mind knowing that professionals are handling the problem. Finally, it removes the pressure of dealing with the problem alone
6. Hire a lawyer
This step is not mandatory, so you can consult the police first and then engage an attorney. The sole purpose of the legal expert is to assist you in comprehending your rights and potential legal consequences. Having a lawyer will be quite helpful if your issue is very serious or complex.
6. Inform Someone You Trust:
Even though this point is optional, informing someone you trust provides emotional support, practical advice and a second opinion. That person can also act as a witness and support you in making a case against the bad guy.