How to Protect Myself from a Blackmail Tutor Scam
The growth of online tutoring has also seen a corresponding increase in scams aimed at students. In fact, more than 26,000 cases of financial sextortion were reported in 2023, many involving tutors or students being blackmailed.
Have you gotten caught up in any of these scary schemes? Here’s how to regain control.
What is Blackmail Tutor Scam?
In this scam, the “tutor” does a student’s assignments or takes tests for them. Then they threaten to report the cheating - unless the student pays money.
Academic stress can lead students to compromise their values and behavior. The tutor exploits this vulnerability, weaponizing trust to facilitate cheating.
When the student is complicit, the tutor then blackmails them. The fear of getting into trouble or ruining college prospects gives the scammer control. But there are ways to end the exploitation.
Stop Contacting Them Completely
As soon as a tutor puts you under duress for money or submission to any other condition, cut off all contact. No calls, no messages, no video chatting, nothing.
Do not reason with them, do not pay “one last time.” The only way to put the controls back in you is to stop the contact unless an attorney or law enforcement makes it for you. That’s
Ignore any threats or sob stories invoked to coerce you. Restrict their access to you and save proof of their harassment for your counsel or law enforcement. In detached contact, you protect you.
Never Ever Pay Money to Your Blackmailer
When threatened with payment demands, your default reaction is probably to pay the bill and wish them away. But funding their crime only leaves you more vulnerable to further exploitation.
Do not empower them anymore with payments. Do not contact, and keep proof of it instead. Paying will not make the issue go away; the law is the only thing that can hold them accountable.
Keep Records of Everything for Evidence
Take screenshots and records of your blackmailers threats and demands before blocking them. Take note of their phone number, social media handles, email address, and any other identifying information. These make a greater investigative file when you report them to the authorities or pursue relief through an attorney.
Seek Legal Representation
Your family needs to hire a lawyer to prevent the blackmailer from profiting from their crime. Inquire about services to secure representation. An attorney can provide numerous services which increase your chances of keeping your blackmailer from jurting you..
If You Can't Get an Attorney, Block Contact
If you don’t have a lawyer, it’s absolutely the best time to cut all contact and document any attempted blackmail. Block them everywhere. Do not answer threats or demands.
Inform a trusted adult - a parent or counselor - about the situation. It's possible to gain power without using a lawyer, by combining their support and actively blocking contact.
Take Action!
Blackmail scams prey on your vulnerability and fear. But no contact, keeping a lawyer and leaning on family and friends gives power and safety back to you. Do not allow shame or intimidation to deter you from reporting the crime. Heal with the help of professionals and your community.
