How to Deal with Blackmail

Assess situation. The opportunists can find ways to take advantage of very small clues to blackmail. They may overhear some private conversation and try to exploit it, or they may have sensitive images and threaten to release them if their demands are not met. When assessing the situation, you need to be honest and thoughtful. Think about how harmful information in the hands of a blackmailer can be, and whether he or she is a real threat. You should consider the following aspects: ^[2]

• Is your job at risk? Would you risk losing your job if that information was revealed?
• Does this situation pose a danger to others? Even if you were not harmed, would someone suffer physical or emotional harm as a result of the blackmail?
• What is the worst-case scenario? Real blackmail isn’t just annoying. It can lead to irreparable damage both physically and mentally. Based on the background of the blackmailer, assess the worst-case scenario and ask yourself if the consequences are too serious to ignore.

Reacting to a known blackmailer. Unfortunately, blackmail often comes from people you know, even once trusted — friends, schoolmates, ex-lovers, even family members. A close relationship with the blackmailer can make it difficult to defuse the situation by taking legal action.

• If the person is someone you know, it’s usually in the form of “spoofing,” which requires you to stay close or prolong the relationship in exchange for the person not disclosing information. This is still blackmail, and you are entitled to legal protection.
• If the threat may affect your physical safety, you should immediately report it to law enforcement. Even if no immediate action is taken, keeping the blackmail case on file will help you in the event that legal action is needed.
• If you need to talk to someone to relieve the pressure when a blackmailer threatens to reveal your sexual orientation or gender identity, you can contact a support center for the LGBT community. However, you should note that they cannot directly help you with the blackmail case. They are voluntary consultants and not legal professionals and are not a substitute for authority. ^[3]

Talk to someone you trust. When faced with trouble, anxiety causes us to often exaggerate the 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 someone like a religious leader, a friend, or a psychotherapist.
• The opinions of outsiders can provide an overview of the situation. Even if they can’t help you find a solution, you’ll be relieved to know that you’re not alone. ^[4]

Disarm the blackmailer. If you find that the information does not pose a significant danger, disclose it yourself before the blackmailer has a chance.

• By doing this, you will neutralize the weapon the blackmailer is holding.
• This also shows your strength through honesty and taking responsibility.
• You can also gain the sympathy and support of friends and family.
• Making everything public will help you control the buzz around that information and bring the blackmailers with their evil schemes to light. ^[5]

Withhold all evidence of blackmail. Please keep all legally valid images and conversations between you and the blackmailer. Save voicemail and record conversations.

• All of the above information is needed for attorneys and law enforcement to determine if your case qualifies for prosecution. ^[6]

Find law enforcement. If you find the information a blackmailer uses to threaten to be too dangerous to disclose, contact law enforcement. ^[7]

• Law enforcement consists of staff trained to prosecute blackmailers.
• They can protect you from blackmailers who threaten to use force to harm your health.
• While it may not be easy, you may be asked to prolong the negotiation process with the blackmailer. This is because many cases require evidence of a written or recorded threat to accompany a demand for money. Do whatever the police ask you to do, no matter how difficult or heartbreaking it may be.

Hire an attorney if necessary. Law enforcement will let you know if an attorney can help you defend your rights.

• Lawyers are knowledgeable about the legal system and can suggest solutions that are not known to ordinary people.
• With the right grounds, lawyers can succeed in prosecuting the blackmail case and sending the perpetrators to prison. ^{[8] [9]}

Never handle things on your own. Do not act thoughtlessly or seek revenge. Blackmail is a serious offense that will itself receive the appropriate punishment.

• When you injure, terrorize, or try to harm an extortionist, you are also committing a crime, and you are narrowing your chances of getting justice. ^[10]