How to Get Rid Of Blackmailers
Blackmailers feed on fear and panic. They want you to feel like a prisoner. They want to control you. However, here’s the thing: we can stop them.
1. Do Not Respond To Blackmailers, Or, If You Have, Stop Responding.
Our clients often explain that they are tempted to respond to blackmailers. This tends to be through a lens of negotiation, or paying them off.
What these clients are often unaware of is that responding has a tendency to spur on blackmail and is an indication to the blackmailer that their tactics are effective.
Unless advised otherwise by trained legal or professional counsel it is not recommended to respond to a blackmailer.
Any response is likely to result in increased threats, and is very unlikely to make the blackmailer go away if the response is sent by the individual being blackmailed.
Why not responding is critical:
· They feed on your fear. A response, however angry, provides them with ammunition.
· They’ll demand more. After they know you’ll engage, the threats will increase.
2. Do Not Submit To Their Will, Or, If You Have, Do Not Pay Any More.
This is crucial. Blackmailers might claim they will “delete everything” if you pay up, comply or meet their demands. In the vast majority of circumstances, this is untrue.
Here’s the harsh reality:
· Paying them almost never makes the issue go away.
· It may encourage them to come after you again for more amounts.
Each payment will likely result in a renewed interest to blackmail you. Instead, zero in on the steps below to regain control without compliance.
3. Ensure the Privacy of Your Social Media
Victims should be sure to make sure their social media accounts have been secured.
Whatever platform they’re using: Your phone, email, social media, be sure to secure the privacy settings of the platform.
Under some circumstances, blocking the individual may prove beneficial, but this is not true in all circumstances. Sometimes, a legal professional will advise you to not block the individual until they have made first contact, such that they can obtain another data point.
How to secure online effectively:
· Utilize privacy settings on social media to secure your accounts.
· Create new ones, if you have to, but don’t delete old accounts until you’ve taken a record of everything (more on this below).
4. Document All Evidence
Gather all evidence before blocking your blackmailer. This step is vital.
Take screenshots of all their messages, emails, threats – everything, and keep those secure to relay to a legal professional. These will serve as key data points.
What to document:
· Details about the blackmailer (email, phone number, social media handles).
· Date and time of each contact.
· Screenshots of threats or demands.
Until then, keep this information privately and safely stored.
5. Obtain Assistance
You don’t need to do this on your own. There is a lot of blackmail, but help is out there.
Who can help you:
· Friends and family: Tell someone you trust what is going on. Meantime, their support can be invaluable.
· Legal advice: Contact a lawyer specializing in online harassment or cybercrimes.
Let’s Dig Deeper Into These Steps
Refusing to Respond
You may be worried that ignoring the blackmailer could worsen matters. But in a way, they’re just seeking a reaction. Silence denies them what they want.
Here’s how to stay firm:
· Their power is an illusion, remind yourself.
· Do mindfulness or grounding exercises to help with anxiety.
Cease Communications
Stand your ground even if they continue to try. They may use another tactic - posing as a “friend” or pretending to offer a phony compromise.
· Stay strong. Do not respond.
· Collect your evidence and secure your Accounts.
Secure Online Accounts and Do Not Comply
Reporting and blocking users is made available by platforms like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Use them.
· Change your passwords.
· Use two-factor authentication
· Check your privacy settings on all accounts.
Obtain Emotional Support
Blackmail is not only a legal or technical problem - it’s a profoundly emotional one. That stress, fear and shame can be exhausting.
Talk to someone you trust. Remember: you’re not alone.
· Document Evidence Privately
· Consider this as the next step for making your case. Your position is more solid the more details you have.
Pro tip: Save your evidence in multiple secure places (like a password protected folder or an encrypted cloud storage space).
Seek Legal Help
Blackmail scenarios are not always straightforward. That’s where an attorney and legal assistance comes in. They can help you navigate legal processes, advocate for your rights, and even speak to law enforcement on your behalf.
