A person who promises to reveal explicit pictures of you unless you pay a ransom—typically money, explicit pictures, or even sexual favours—commits sextortion, an aggressive form of extortion.
Sextortionists want to instil fear in you that private images or videos will be posted online and viewed by your friends, family, and coworkers.
Criminals take advantage of your dread to force you to give them money in return for keeping your private images, videos, or other media private.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about: How to Prevent Being Blackmailed on Facebook
Thousands of social media users have reported that people they encountered online are holding their pictures or videos for ransom, and many of them don’t know how to manage the situation.
We’re glad you discovered us because we’ll talk about how to halt Facebook blackmail in this blog, so keep reading.
How to stop someone from blackmailing you on Facebook
- Try your hardest to maintain composure and objectivity. If you act out of dread or rage, you might say or do something that you’ll later regret or that could be harmful to you.
- Avoid ignoring or avoiding your blackmailer! There is very little possibility of getting them to close their other catfish accounts because they have so many. The scenario may worsen as a result of this.
- Check your privacy options carefully and make sure your account is as secure as it can be. Apply this to the other social media profiles you have.
- To have proof of the blackmail, take screenshots of your complete conversation with the suspect. Additionally, you ought to make images of their account and any significant data they give you. This will help the authorities when they take over the investigation
- Pay your blackmailer nothing! They will keep returning for more as soon as you hand them any money at all!
- Inform somebody, anyone! These people will try to corner you and intimidate you by telling you that if anyone finds out, they will shame you. Keep your distance from their lies! To get the help you require, tell a close friend or member of your family.
- Bring all of your evidence to your local authorities so they can file a report. We also advise getting in touch with online blackmail specialists and the FBI.
Other Common Sextortion types
Social Media Sextortion
It is not surprising that sextortion scams and schemes are common on social media platforms given their widespread use. The majority of these social media platforms allow users to send photos and have webcam chats. Sextortionists and harassers looking for a victim thrive in this environment.
Any website that facilitates user interaction and communication could be a target for sextortion scams and these range from Facebook, online video games platforms and video chat platforms
Dating Website Sextortion
Online extortionists and harassers also target their victims on dating websites. You must always approach them cautiously. Due to a recent breakup or the desire to find a long-term partner, people who use online dating services may be more susceptible to exploitation and emotional manipulation.
Also, read Why am I losing a lot of friends on Facebook?