Will Blackmailers Delete Private Information If You Pay Them?
It makes you feel sick to your stomach and hopeless with dread. A stranger has obtained some very personal, private photos or information about you.
Now, they’re threatening to make those pictures public or to expose you some other way unless you pay them a lot of money.
So are you supposed to do in this little nightmare? Keep reading!
Do Blackmailers Really Keep Their Word About Deleting Private Data in Exchange for Payment?
Your first panicked reaction is most likely to capitulate to their demands and pay them. You wish to god that the whole thing would just disappear, and you are willing to pay money to make that happen.
You probably think that paying them what they want will help persuade them to delete the private information they have about you, as they pledged. That if you just give them what they want, they will delete the photos or information and this horrible nightmare will come to an end.
We totally understand the fear and desperation you are facing that prompted you to jump at the first solution that could possibly end this horrific situation — but that is exactly what you are now creating. Let out a few more big breaths and do your best to use logic, not panic.
The harsh fact is that greater than 90% of the time, in blackmail scenarios the blackmailers do NOT delete or ruin the private data once the theories demand it.
They initially promise to delete the data if you pay the ransom. But after they get the cash, they fail to delete anything over 90% of the time.
Instead, they nearly always come back later asking the victim for additional funds. Once you have given them your money - they know they can get something on you and you are in a vulnerable position. They rely on the fear and shame you experience for continued monthly deposits into their coffers.
It’s a never-ending nightmare loop of demands for more and more money. Over and over again. So paying the blackmailer rarely resolves the issue for the long haul. In fact, it ultimately makes the situation far worse in the long run.
Why Paying the Blackmailers Does Not Help and May Make Things Worse
We know this sounds completely counterintuitive. And you just want to pay them and get this all behind you, of course.
But before you do, listen to these reasons why appeasing the blackmailer with their payment demands is almost never the right response:
You cannot control the copies kept of your data. The fact is that most blackmailers never truly delete anything, despite their claims.
They will just keep coming back for more money. Once they charge you even a single time, they know they have you on the hook. They will repeatedly return for larger and larger sums - threatening to release the information publicly if you refuse them.
When you pay, you have essentially reinforced their blackmail, that they can succeed in blackmailing you. There are better alternatives available. Bringing in law enforcement, lawyers, reputation management firms, and counselors translates into more power and leverage on your side of the situation. Don’t let fear force you to make a decision you will regret.
The blackmailer is betting that you feel alone, ashamed and too scared to think of other options. But take a couple of deep breaths first. We know how badly you want the threatening to stop. But do not allow fear to cause you to make a snap decision that you will almost certainly come to regret later on.
Stop All Contact with the Blackmailer Right Away
The instant the blackmailer makes contact with a threat, you drop completely silent.
Whatever they do to provoke pity or frighten, do not react at all. Answering their messages, begging them not to, or even just letting them know when they threaten you seems to give them additional power over you.
Any means by which they attempt to reach out to you, you block them on it. All social media, email, phone. Removing their access to you puts an end to their power.
With the expectation of them contacting you, save any and all communication from them by taking screenshots and keeping records of everything. That evidence could prove useful if law enforcement becomes involved later on.
Most blackmailers eventually just move on to easier targets, unable to gain sense at all access to you or any response whatsoever from their threats. Do not give them what they want and what they are desperately seeking — Any reaction and response from you.
Seek Legal and Other Professional Help Very Soon
Consult with a lawyer or hire a representation immediately. An attorney can issue formal demands on your behalf. A sharp legal notice often sends shivers down the spines of blackmailers.
You Have a Lot More Power and Leverage in This Situation Than You Probably Think You Do
When victims reach out immediately for expert assistance, the overwhelming majority of blackmail attempts and threats prove to be entirely hollow. The private data or photos rarely get leaked or exposed in the public.
The blackmailers are counting on your sense of panic and desperation. They want you to think you do not have a choice but to pay.
But actually, you have so much power and potential leverage that you realize in this very moment. Take a few more deep breaths. Then summon your strength and ask for help.
