Help With Blackmail

On the rise is Webcam Blackmail. Many sign up to get a little funky on a cam with a partner, huge mistake. When signing up, a user must provide an email address or mobile number for verification. Unless you are using a fake email or burner phone, you have created a trail right to your identity. 

The structure of the blackmail is simple. You signup and provide some identifiers. You go live with maybe a real person or perhaps a looped video. When the fun is over, you sign off and forget about the situation. 

The nightmare comes creeping a week or two later. More than likely, you will receive a video of yourself doing the business. The hammer comes when the blackmailer reveals your name, spouse's, social media, and employment. The demand is X amount of dollars or euros. Like a ton of bricks, your knees threaten to give out.

What next? Some pay, some ignore, and others act. Most believe that preventing exposure is what they need to focus on to stop blackmail. Wrong! It is difficult to create a combat plan if you concentrate on all the bad that can happen. The fear is the leverage that keeps you paralyzed and in the bubble. It forces you to only think about the disaster that could befall.

I believe it has been proven by the more than thousands of online cases I have worked on. The strategy to combating blackmail and sextortion is to protect your identity, first and foremost. By doing so, you are laying the groundwork to prevent the worst-case scenario. One of the most difficult tasks is getting rid of the blackmailer and making sure they never return.

Before you reach out to a company for assistance, ask yourself; what is help? Obviously, you have never been in this situation, so naturally, you do not know the fix. Some think that tracking down the scoundrel and threatening with the long arm of the law is an idea. Why would a criminal in a far-off land care about your country's law enforcement? They don't! Does hunting the criminal make sense? Even if Sherlock Holmes located them (he won't) it does not guarantee the extortion stops. One more thing, don't ya think the blackmailers took precautions to hide their whereabouts? 

From the brains of lawyers come the plan to send a cease and desist letter. But, again, why would a scammer adhere? I am sure you have pleaded your case on deaf ears. More importantly, none of these actions protect your identity. If they know who you are, they can return anytime, which they do. 

The first step to combat blackmail is to stall; you need to time get your head together and come up with a plan. Do not pay; doing so is like throwing yourself to the sharks. Instead, claim you have no money, and you need a day or two to borrow funds. No matter the stress, stand your ground! You need that window of opportunity. 

Next, hit the internet and either shut down all your social sites or make them private. Read carefully; if the communications are on FB, Instagram, or other social site, do not shut down. Just make it private. For example, on FB, change everything to Only Me. It never hurts to tell friends and followers a hacker hacked your page. Also, what does the blackmailer know about you? Take inventory. 

The objective is to convince the rat you are someone else. I know, it sounds impossible considering your identity is already known. However, you are one of X number of victims, and that is what you capitalize on. Again, if you do not attempt to manipulate them, they will always return to your mobile, email, or social media. Better they think you are Hank N. Ahern, then Frank M. Ahearn.

How does one go about protecting their identity from a blackmailer? That is a difficult question, but I can answer it in a consultation. Not to mention, get you out of the mess.

There are different types of blackmail and blackmail groups; the consultation provides an opportunity for me to listen to your story, identify which organization, and create a tailored strategy for you. Depending on the situation will determine if you can take the tools and combat yourself. 

For those who do not want to go at it alone, I offer an extended service where I direct you through the process and with you until you are off the hook. I also create online disinformation, which protects your identity, family, and employment. Dealing with sextortion is highly stressful and emotional. I become the sounding board and support you need. 

What to do about blackmail, Facebook Blackmail, and Instagram Sextortion? Contact FA@FrankAhearn.com