Blackmail has become a massive problem since the Internet has existed. Usually, such cases make the victim angry or immobilized. The person does not know how to proceed: pay so that the criminals get what they want? Or is it better to just ignore the issue and let it go away on its own over time? But the question is, do blackmailers give up if you ignore them? Short answer: no. The secret lies in the very nature of Internet blackmail and the psychology and motivation of attackers.
What Is Blackmail?
Blackmail is a threat to expose personal data and confidential information if the person does not pay a certain sum or does not perform other valuable actions for the criminal. At the same time, a condition is put forward to the victim: if they do not meet specific requirements, their data will be disclosed, or their family will be physically harmed. A person is faced with a choice: pay or fulfill the criminal’s demands or suffer reputational, financial, or physical losses.
However, it is also worth understanding that it is not profitable for the blackmailer to fulfill their demands immediately because, in this way, they get rid of the tool of manipulation over the victim. If the attacker goes all the way (rare), they can no longer count on it to bring them the desired profit.
At the same time, ignoring the problem is not the best solution because, among blackmailers, a certain percentage of people perceive their activity as work. But most of them are clinical psychopaths who are dangerous to deal with and can only see things through because it gives them pleasure. Therefore, the worst thing you can do is ignore the blackmailer, hoping the problem will disappear. You should not rely on blind luck.
What Can You Do Being a Victim?
The worst thing you can do is to keep it quiet when you have such an issue. Your action algorithm should be as follows:
- File a complaint with the FBI, Interpol, or another agency that handles similar cases in your country.
- Contact the police so they can identify and punish the offender
- Report illegal actions to the administration of the website or social network where the blackmail is taking place or with which account hacker attacks may be applied (or have already been carried out).
- Share information with relatives. Usually, Internet blackmail concerns intimate photos: real or fake; for the criminal, it is not necessary to have a real object of threat — they can invent and construct it. The fear of exposure to family members stops the victim from speaking out. However, publicity works best in this situation.
- Notify your employer of possible sabotage and compromising material that may implicate you but is not valid. This allows you to avoid many problems and eliminate uncertainty and fear. The company can also engage its security service to protect the employee.
In addition to these steps, you can do something else — seek professional help. Specialists in the detection of Internet criminals work privately and carefully. They have a lot of experience in handling such issues, and the services cost much less than the risks that a scammer puts you in front of.
Criminal Behavior: When to Expect Peace?
Blackmailers rarely act alone. Usually, a group is formed, which uses and invents various tactics of psychological influence on the victim and invents such scare tactics that even professional law enforcement officers are surprised.
You can pay or fulfill other requirements, but in most cases, the issue comes back repeatedly. They do not remove provocative content, using it and you as a golden vein, an endless resource. Therefore, when you have fulfilled some conditions, this is not yet a reason to stop the struggle and return to a calm state: the issue will return.
Complete ignoring is only practical if the attacker is working alone. It can be your acquaintance, ex-lover, or colleague. However, as a rule, groups of people resort to blackmail: they perceive you as a work task, so in this case, ignoring does not contribute to reducing criminal activity and reducing the number of intimidation and threats.
You can completely calm down only when the group is neutralized with the help of the police or specialized organizations.
Are Cyber Scammers Stalking You in Real Life?
Usually, no. But for you, they will paint a believable picture of what they know about your every move. They try to convince the victim from the beginning that they have recorded explicit content or other compromising material. They will write and call you and your friends.
Furthermore, they may even learn your address and leave notes about themselves on your doorstep or in your mailbox. At the same time, as a rule, the fraudsters themselves are abroad; that is, they are not capable of causing you physical harm. The problem is that stalkers, including those you’ve met online, can act unpredictably with one goal: to intimidate you enough to make you vulnerable, compliant, and obedient.
How to Ignore an Internet Stalker?
Ignoring is a low-performing practice. Most criminals themselves disappear from view from time to time. This does not allow the victim to come to their senses because, at the most unexpected moment, they make themselves known again, and this happens just when you believe everything is over. The victim breaks down and decides that they have to comply with the demands.
You will be able to ignore harassment on the Internet only if you have already sought help from specialists, informed your partners, relatives, or employer, and are ready to give a worthy rebuff to your opponent in the legal field. But you shouldn’t count on blackmailers bluffing. Some carry out threats if they don’t get what they want. That is why it is so essential to prepare a solid foundation. There are other effective strategies for dealing with psychopaths who disturb your peace. Unfortunately, you are not the first person to go through this path. But you don’t have to go through it alone because there is an effective way out!
