I’m a Minor Being Blackmailed Online - What Can I Do?
Have you ever made a mistake: posted something to the internet you shouldn’t have? Perhaps out of loneliness or manipulation, you trusted someone who was untrustworthy.
Now they’re blackmailing you with private images or information.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) received 26,718 reports of financial sextortion in 2023, a marked increase up from 10,731 in 2022. This spike suggests minors are becoming an increasingly popular target in such schemes, often with predators tricking minors into transmitting explicit content.
You feel violated, frightened and ashamed. The good news is that you can take steps to prevent the blackmail and recover.
Confide in a Trusted Adult
This is understandably difficult, but a friendliest way to begin finding your footing against your blackmailer is by confiding in a parent or another trusted adult. This might be a parent, teacher, counselor, doctor, or police officer.
Deciding who to confide in is a very personal choice. Consider who you have the most trust in – who is in a position to be able to help you best. But reach out to someone. You do not need to go through this alone.
A trusted adult can listen to enough to provide emotional support, contact authorities, and help you take legal action. Beginning the discussion is the first step toward stopping the blackmail.
Do Not Speak or With Or Contact Your Blackmailer
Next, do not speak with or contact your blackmailer. Responding to them will empower them, and is unlikely to have any beneficial effect on the blackmail situation.
No contact is a form of self-preservation and takes away the control that blackmailers may hold over you.
Speak With Law Enforcement
Blackmail is a serious crime. You can report the predatory behavior to your local police department or the FBI. Share with them the evidence that you collected earlier.
The perpetrator can then potentially be identified and prosecuted by law enforcement. They can also direct you to victim support resources.
Talk to Your Family About Hiring Legal Representation
Parents of minors should consult a lawyer if they have the resources to do so. A lawyer may step in to provide legal advice and give you the best chance of success in a blackmail scenario. You may also have access to free legal resources in your community. Having representation protects your rights.
Access Free Resources and Emotional Support
This is traumatic, but counseling and emotional support is available from many organizations.
You are not defined by this blackmail. But you can take back control over your life by confiding in loved ones, pursuing justice and building a community of survivors.