Do and Don’ts
- Tip 1: Be Careful What You Share Online Avoid sharing intimate or personal content with people you do not know personally, especially on dating apps or social media platforms. Even seemingly innocent exchanges can lead to exploitation.
- Tip 2: Verify Online Contacts Before engaging with someone online, verify their identity. Scammers often create fake profiles or personas to deceive victims.
- Tip 3: Never Pay Ransoms If you are a victim of sextortion, never pay the blackmailer. Paying them does not guarantee they will stop and can lead to further demands. Report the incident to law enforcement immediately.
- Tip 4: Report the Incident If you are being blackmailed, report it to the platform (social media or app provider) and law enforcement authorities. Many platforms have a dedicated report system for cybercrimes, and law enforcement can assist in tracking down the perpetrators.
- Tip 5: Secure Your Accounts Protect your accounts with strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. This can prevent hackers from gaining access to your social media profiles or personal information.
- Tip 6: Seek Professional Help If you are dealing with a sextortion case, it might be helpful to consult a counselor or support organization to address the emotional and psychological effects of the crime.