What to do about blackmail?

Since the COVID lockdown, there has been an increase in the selling of silence. Such comes at the hand of the person you had a "discreet relationship" with; they reach out and asks for financial help. The request is usually a simple ask, but if you do not comply, the selling of silence begins with something personal, like mentioning of your spouse’s name, you employer, or photo secretly taken.

What goes on behind closed doors is not strictly sexual, at times a dark act of personal therapy occurs. While unwinding one can unwittingly share names, stories, and other identifiable. No one thinks the person before them is keeping a rainy-day dossier. The lock-down has become the rainy day for many an opportunity to cash in chips, create a new business. Blackmail is not always about photos or videos but indiscreet texts, proofs of payment, family details, social standing, and business position. The selling of silence has become a lucrative opportunity to make up for lost earnings.

The testing the waters begins with a small favor, like help with a mobile phone bill, or one month's rent. It tests your reaction. If you send a payment, the big hit is coming next, and it could be five or ten large, if you do not adhere, The "request" is then joined with something embarrassing or potentially damaging. The thing that buckles the knees and makes you think, oh shit, I fucked up. 

The first lesson of blackmail is if you pay once, a second request is lurking. Also, the payment made is ammunition to prove blackmail. And so too is the email or text exchange about money. Blackmailers know that paying is an act of fear, and if you pay, they know they pulled the right trigger. Every victim will face the day where they must say no, either because you are bone dry of cash, or tired of being extorted. My attitude is, act immediately, and no matter the risk, never allow anyone to own you. I say fight! If someone is trying to sell you their silence, I can fight with you, and we can kick some ass!