What to Do If You Get an Email Threatening to Expose a Video of You

You open your inbox and see an alarming email from an unknown sender. The subject line says they have a compromising video of you and will send it to your contacts unless you pay them. Your heart races as you read their threat – could this be real? What should you do?

First, take a deep breath. While this situation feels scary, know that you’re not alone and that there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Unfortunately, emails threatening to expose personal videos or images are common but rarely legitimate.

In this article, I’ll explain exactly what these video blackmail scams are, how to identify if the threat is fake, and what actions to take if you’re targeted.

What Are Blackmail Video Scam Emails?

Blackmail video scam emails are a type of online extortion where someone threatens to share embarrassing or intimate videos of you in order to force you to pay them money. The scammer sends an email claiming they have hacked your computer’s webcam and recorded you in a compromising situation. They say they will send the video to your friends, family, and coworkers if you don’t pay a ransom, usually in Bitcoin or gift cards.

These emails aim to cause panic and scare you into believing the threat is real so that you’ll pay up quickly without thinking it through. The scammer wants you to act out of fear before you realize it’s a scam.

Signs a Video Blackmail Email is Fake

If you look closely, blackmail video emails almost always have red flags that give away they are fake threats. Here are the most common signs:

• No proof of a video: The email makes a vague threat without showing any screenshots or clips of the alleged video. If they really had a compromising recording, they would include evidence.
• An old password: The email includes an old password of yours as “proof” that they hacked you. But scammers get passwords from past data breaches, not by hacking your current computer and accounts.
• No personal details: Besides an outdated password, the email lacks any specific personal information about you that can’t be found with a quick online search. Real hackers would have more dirt.
• Scare tactics and urgency: The email uses over-the-top threatening language and pushes you to pay immediately. This is to overwhelm you with fear so you won’t think rationally.
• Bad grammar and spelling: Many scammers are from overseas, and the emails are full of clunky wording and mistakes that a native English speaker wouldn’t make.
• Payment in cryptocurrency: The scammer demands payment in untraceable Bitcoin or cryptocurrency. Legitimate requests don’t require this.

If the blackmail video email you received has some or all of these characteristics, it is very likely an empty threat. Take comfort in knowing the scammer is almost certainly bluffing and doesn’t actually have any video of you.

What to Do About Fake Blackmail Video Emails

While it can be a relief to realize a blackmail video threat is fake, you may still feel violated and unsure of what to do next. Here’s how to handle the situation:

1. Don’t pay or reply: Sending money tells the scammer their trick worked and will just motivate them to keep harassing you. And any reply, even telling them to leave you alone, shows them your email is active. Go radio silent.
2. Don’t click on any links: If the email contains links, do not click on them. They may contain a virus or other malware that you want to avoid.
3. Block the sender: Add the scammer’s email address to your block list so future messages skip your inbox and go directly to spam. Don’t open any other emails from them.
4. Report the email: Help stop these scammers by reporting them. Forward their email to your email provider’s abuse department and to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
5. Change key passwords: On the very slim chance the scammer actually hacked an account of yours, change the passwords on your email, social media, online banking, and other key accounts. Use strong, unique passwords for each.
6. Scan for malware: Run a scan with your antivirus software to check for any malware on your computer. Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from suspicious emails in the future.

In the vast majority of cases, video blackmail emails are just bluffs. The scammer usually doesn’t have any embarrassing recordings of you and is just hoping to scare you into paying.

What To Do If The Blackmailer Actually Has Compromising Content of You

In rare cases, it’s possible that a blackmailer may actually have compromising video or images of you. This is more likely if you’ve engaged in sexual video chats or shared explicit content with someone you met online.

If you have reason to believe the threat might be legitimate, it’s crucial to take additional steps to protect yourself:

• Preserve all evidence: Keep copies of any communications with the blackmailer, including emails, messages, and screenshots. This evidence can be vital if you need to involve law enforcement or take legal action.
• Secure your accounts: Change the passwords on all your online accounts and enable two-factor authentication where possible. This can help prevent the blackmailer from accessing your accounts or finding more personal information to use against you.
• Contact the authorities: If the blackmailer follows through on their threat and shares your videos or images, report it to the police. In many states, distributing someone’s explicit content without consent is a crime. Law enforcement can investigate and help stop the spread of your content.
• Consult an attorney: An experienced internet attorney can help you assess your legal options, communicate with the blackmailer, and take steps to remove your content from websites. They can also advise you on how to minimize the impact on your personal and professional life.

Remember, even if you feel embarrassed or ashamed about your situation, you are the victim of a crime and deserve support. Don’t suffer in silence or give in to the blackmailer’s demands.

As distressing as it feels to be targeted by these scams, you don’t need to live in fear. By keeping a cool head and following a few simple steps, you can thwart the scammer’s efforts and keep your reputation safe.

How Minc Law Can Help

At Minc Law, we have extensive experience helping victims of online blackmail and sextortion. We know how violating and scary it feels to be threatened with the release of sensitive personal content. You don’t have to face this situation alone.

Our skilled attorneys can help you assess the legitimacy of the threat, communicate with the blackmailer on your behalf, remove any content that gets posted online, and advise you on your legal options. We’ll create a customized plan to shut down the harassment and prevent your personal information from spreading.

Most importantly, we’ll be a neutral, knowledgeable source of support during this difficult time. We’ve helped countless clients deal with sensitive situations like this confidentially and put the matter behind them.

If you are a victim of a sextortion scam or need to remove sensitive images or videos from the Internet, contact the experienced attorneys at Minc Law today by calling (216) 373-7706 or filling out our contact form online.