Sextortion

In order to blackmail effectively, the perpetrator uses personal information or compromising images that the victim has previously sent to them, that they have found themselves through hacking, or that the victim previously shared content online.

When a perpetrator has managed to obtain compromising information, they can then threaten to send these images or messages to the friends, family, school, or workplace of the victim unless they share further sexual content or transfer money to them.

Financial gain: Sometimes the blackmailer might use an individual's compromising images or messages to blackmail money or things of monetary value from them. The victims will often do what the blackmailer says to avoid the risk of their compromising images or messages being made public.

Fulfilling sexual desires: If someone sends 'sexts' or explicit images to another person, that person can then use those images to sexually blackmail (sextort) and manipulate the victim into sending more sexual images or video content.

Revenge: When relationships break down, some people use images that were shared while in the relationship to blackmail their ex-partner. This can be known as 'revenge porn' and isn't always done because they want anything from their ex-partner in particular. It can also be because they are angry that the relationship ended and want to see their ex-partner scared or worried that their intimate images could be made public so that people important in their lives can see the 'real them.' In other cases, images can even be sent to specific audiences online, such as schools, work colleagues, or friends.

Humiliation: Unfortunately, there are people who enjoy seeing people humiliated or are terrified of being humiliated. These people threaten to release sexually explicit messages and images with the sole purpose of making the victim anxious.

The impact of a blackmailer's actions can be profound, and depending on your circumstances, you may need to contact law enforcement or seek legal counsel if you are in this situation.

Checking your privacy settings: By adjusting your privacy settings on your social media accounts, you are at less risk of being targeted by a potential sextorter. The less information they can see about you, the less likely they are to be able to blackmail you with anything.

Being mindful of your friends list: It can be easy to accept friend requests from people you don't know online, but it's important to remember that once you accept the request, that person can see all of the information on your profile and could possibly use that information against you in the future. Be careful of who you accept into your online circle.

Not being too generous with your trust: When talking to people online, try not to trust too easily. If someone asks or pressures you for information or sexually explicit images, remember that as soon as you send anything, it is gone forever. Any potential blackmailers could then have all they need to sextort you.

These tips might seem like common sense, but you would be amazed at how many people make one mistake online and pay a huge price for it.

Confide in someone: When going through something like sextortion, it's important that you have a good support network that can help and advise you. Talking to someone that you trust can really make a big difference.

Don't buckle under pressure: When you're being blackmailed, it can feel like you don't have any other option but to comply with what the perpetrator is asking of you. It is important that you don't crack under the pressure. If you give in, they will continue to do it.

Contact the police: Blackmail constitutes a criminal offense in most states and countries around the world. Remember to take screenshots and record any evidence you can to make prosecution more likely.

The impact of sextortion can be life-changing, and it is always important to seek guidance and professional help when you are facing blackmail of any kind.