Blackmail Consulting

Frank M. Ahearn's blackmail consulting works, especially in the digital age, where social sites, apps, and email have created the opportunity for blackmailers to target unsuspecting individuals. For example, a spam email falsely claims a computer hack. A friend request from a nearby person or a connection with a professional in your industry; criminals posing to do harm.

Blackmailers scour social sites, friending anyone who will accept. The non-discretion of allowing a follow from a stranger is what puts someone in jeopardy. You opened your world to that person and let them in on your identity without care. To a degree, the digital world lets people drop the curtain on their privacy. When strangers enter, and they are friends of friends, most think nothing more about trust, truth, or privacy.

THE DESIRE to connect is the online danger. Internet connections move quickly. There is a short getting to know you phase, wherein we learn to size up others in the physical world. I equate online relationships with being microwaveable; they are made before you know it.

THE LEVERAGE; what do they know about you, work, family, friends, or spouse? The connections to people in your life are what they have over you. To protect, you must switch the leverage and change the playing field in your favor—thus protecting your identity.

Begin buttoning up your online profile. Scour the net, searching for your information; turn it private or shut down. Some items will be beyond your control; does the website show contacts for other people? If not, no worries. If yes, that site becomes part of Frank's identity protection plan.

Stalling and getting time is imperative. One cannot think when backed against the wall. A little push back and standing your ground will determine the next 48 hours. The key line is, "I need 48 hours." If you cannot get 48, push for 24.

Preventing disaster, embarrassment, and humiliation is the central concern. The content going public can lead to loss of family, job, and face in the community. A disaster for some, with no return. Tactically stalling and pushing back will prevent your worst nightmare. Defending yourself is not easy and walks a fine line, but if executed properly, the tactic works. 

Additional identity protection is securing all forms of communications by crossing them over to alternate contacts, such as a prepaid number, disposal "personal," and supposed "work" email addresses. These items will contain the situation and prevent them from returning to known contacts in the future.

The ultimate objective is to free yourself without damage. If properly dealt with, you can achieve. It is not easy, as you know, and extremely stressful. You must be strong and learn to stop the scam by using the available online resources or a qualified professional.

There are times when stopping blackmail is not black and white but a shade of gray or even abstract. I have been in the privacy business for over thirty years. I know what actions are needed for total success. If you would like to learn more, email me at: FA@FrankAhearn.com or set up a blackmail consultation now.