Will Blackmailers Actually Release My Private Information?
Being subject to blackmail is terrifying on multiple levels, but the biggest fear is whether the blackmail will follow through on threats to release your private, compromising information to the public.
What are the real odds the blackmailer will share your info if you don’t meet their demands? Here’s a breakdown of statistics and strategies that affect the chances the blackmailer will release your information.
Current Data Shows an Approximate 30% Chance of Release
Statistics and research performed over the years have identified that there is about a 30% chance your private information will be leaked by a blackmailer once their initial threats and demands have been sent if you don’t comply.
That means that about 30 percent of the time, the blackmailer will take extra effort to fulfill threats and leak damaging material if the victim does not comply.
But That Also Means a 70% Chance of No Release
Now, approximately 30% is still a worryingly high chance, this in turn means there’s an approximate 70% chance the blackmailer WILL NOT publish your information if you cease all contact.
These numbers generally apply if the individual does not personally know the blackmailer, the person has not responded to the blackmailer, or the person has not paid the blackmailer.
No reason to release data if you are not complying or paying them. Disengaging completely is the surest deterrent, because that immediately reduces their ability to negotiate.
The More You Reply, The More At Risk You Are
It’s important to know that if you give the blackmailer money or in any way keep talking to her, you greatly increase the odds this blackmailer will release your information publicly.
Any type of response, even a single message, opens up the potential for lengthy back-and-forth between you and the blackmailer. This then enables them to continue ratcheting up threats, demands and ultimately delivering on threats to release private material to continue gaining power.
Not paying that blackmail scheme provides you the highest statistical chance to keep your information safe.
Steps to Reinforce Against Release
Fully blackmail threats entirely might give you a nearly 70% chance of avoiding data distribution, but there are further steps you can take to reduce your odds of getting data released even more:
A comprehensive investigation by cyber experts: This involves hiring professional cyber security firms to follow the trail of the blackmailer online, which can lead to their identity and vulnerabilities for the legal process as required.
When working with your phone/internet providers, arrange for your providers to block the blackmailers accounts/numbers at source, so that they have no means of contacting you.
Precise communication from legal representation: Have your attorney directly warn the blackmailer of potential legal consequences should (s)he circulate private material past consent.
Ongoing monitoring: Use tools to see whether your information is posted online, and pursue its removal under copyright law. Thus, releasing materials becomes obsolete.
Final Thoughts
Being blackmailed can be an extremely nerve-wracking experience. Data and studies show that going dark gives you a nearly 70% chance of protecting yourself without complying with the blackmailer's demands. In this regard, experts in cyber security, law, and online privacy may also provide more risk minimization through specialized techniques.
