In most blackmail cases, blackmailers do not expose their victims. It is about getting paid.
However, there are certain actions that can push a situation in the wrong direction.
I recently spoke with a man who became involved with a blackmailer on Instagram. When the threats started, he did what many people do. He looked for advice from someone he trusted.
In this case, it was the IT guy at work.
The victim assumed blackmail was a cyber problem.
It is not.
Blackmail is a human problem.
The IT guy confidently told him he had seen situations like this before and advised him to block the blackmailer and ignore the threats.
Terrible advice.
IT professionals understand computers, networks, and security systems. That does not make them experts in blackmail, exposure threats, extortion, manipulation, or human behavior.
The victim followed the advice.
He blocked.
He ignored.
Then he lived through his worst nightmare.
The blackmailer began sending compromising photos to people who followed him on Instagram. Many of those followers were family members.
The threat had become a reputation attack.
When people panic, they often seek advice from the wrong source. Lawyers see legal problems. IT people see technical problems. Friends see emotional problems.
Blackmail is its own problem.
The stakes are your family, your relationships, your career, your reputation, and your privacy.
If you need Instagram blackmail help, contact someone who understands blackmail.
Frank M. Ahearn is a Blackmail Fixer who steps into blackmail cases immediately. He takes over the situation, helps prevent panic-driven mistakes, protects identities, and works to prevent exposure before a threat becomes a disaster.