What is sexual blackmail/blackmail?
Many people who are tricked into undressing on camera are blackmailed afterwards. The police in Norway discovered that several men in Norway had taken their own lives after sexual blackmail online. I also know of cases where very young girls are blackmailed by an ex, someone close to them or a total stranger on the internet after they have obtained nude pictures of them. Often the extortionist is an unknown person from abroad, and you have typically met them on a dating app. But there are also cases where people are blackmailed by someone here in Norway, and it is incredibly sad that more people would rather pay or send more photo material instead of seeking help. This is because it is often very taboo and people are afraid to ask for help.
The blackmailer often either has pictures of his victims, or has tricked the victims into undressing in front of the camera and now threatens to spread pictures of them to the entire waiting list on Facebook or Instagram. They can also show screenshots of allegedly posting pictures/videos of you on pornographic websites. In some cases, they will send the photos/video to 1-2 people.
What do you do if you are blackmailed online?
If the person wants money:
- Don't pay! Then they will only demand more money and know you are solvent.
- Block the person in question, ignore messages from any new users and preferably deactivate Facebook and Instagram for a few days. They will usually move on to the next victim.
- If someone on your friends list receives the material, be honest about the situation and ask them to delete the material they have been sent.
- When you reactivate social media, review your privacy settings. See tips for this HERE . (link to privacy policy)
Have you already paid? Don't pay more!
If the person in question wants more photo material:
- Do not send any more material! Then they will only demand more pictures and video and have more blackmail material.
- Block the person in question, ignore messages from any new users and preferably deactivate Facebook and Instagram for a few days. They will usually move on to the next victim.
- If someone on your friends list receives the material, be honest about the situation and ask them to delete the material they have been sent.
- When you reactivate social media, review your privacy settings. See tips for this HERE . (link to privacy policy)
I always recommend reporting this to the police. Cases with foreign unknown actors can be difficult, but it is important anyway that we report this and get figures on it.
In retrospect, it can feel very sad and awkward that this has happened. At the same time, you can develop mental disorders, and think a lot about "What if they come back?" I recommend talking to a professional about what has happened.