Who to Call if Being Blackmailed – Contacts You Must Call!

Blackmail isn’t just something out of a spy movie. It can slide into your DMs, hit your inbox, or show up through sketchy calls. And yeah, it’s terrifying.

In 2023, over 26,000 online sextortion cases were reported. That’s not just a number. That’s thousands of people caught in a scary mess. But guess what? You’re not stuck. There are people to call. There is a way out.

In this blog, we’ll show you who to call if being blackmailed, what to do first, and how to take back control without breaking a sweat.

Let’s go 💪

Blackmail: What Is It?

It’s similar to someone keeping a secret from you and stating, “Do what I say, or everyone finds out.” It’s sneaky, shady, and totally not cool. Usually, the person wants money, a favor, or something you really don’t want to give.

It doesn’t just happen in spy movies. These days, blackmail can pop up in your DMs, inbox, or even over a random call. One minute, you’re scrolling; the next—bam—someone’s threatening to spill your tea.

Some blackmailers use VoIP to record conversations. Later, they might threaten to release the recorded call unless you pay up.

But here’s the thing: blackmail is illegal. Like, serious trouble is kind of illegal. So, if it ever happens to you, don’t panic. Don’t pay up. Just take a deep breath and think about whom to call if being blackmailed, because help is out there.

If You Are Dealing with Blackmail, Who Should You Call?

Got someone trying to mess with you? No worries—there are hotlines ready to help you out when you’re stuck in a blackmail situation or any scary mess. These numbers aren’t just voicemail robots; they connect you to real people who’ve got your back.

National Hotlines: Your Lifeline in a Crunch

National hotlines are like lifelines when things get spooky online. Whether it’s blackmail, creepy messages, or serious threats, these numbers hook you up with real humans who know what to do. They’ll give advice, offer support, and help you stay safe.

If someone’s trying to scare you or mess with your peace, you can call for help that matches the type of blackmail you’re dealing with. There’s always someone out there ready to step in.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline

If things are getting dangerous at home, call 1-800-799-7233. They’re there to help with domestic threats or abuse.

• Cyber Civil Rights Initiative Intimate Image Abuse Helpline

Is someone threatening to share those intimate photos you never wanted to see in daylight? Call 1-844-878-2274. This hotline is your go-to for any intimate image blackmail.

• VictimConnect Resource Center

Need confidential support or want to connect with resources? Call or text 1-855-484-2846, or just hit up victimconnect.org to chat online.

• FBI – Report Internet Crimes

For all those sneaky online blackmail or sextortion schemes, reach out to your local FBI office. Or call 1-800-CALL-FBI. You can even report it online at tips.fbi.gov.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

If the weight of it all is too much and you need someone to talk to, dial 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. They’re here for you anytime, day or night.

So don’t try to handle this alone—these hotlines are ready and waiting to help you out!

Which Legal Considerations Should I Contact?

So, someone’s trying to mess with you and use your secrets against you? Not cool! But don’t panic just yet—there’s a game plan. Blackmail might feel like the worst kind of pressure, but knowing who to call can make a huge difference. Here’s what to do if you find yourself in this sticky situation:

1) Local Police or law enforcement

If you’re facing blackmail, your first call should be to the police. They take these cases seriously. Officers can document the threat, collect evidence, and begin an investigation. Reporting early also protects you legally and shows.

Contact Your Local Police

• Start an official investigation.
• Keep you safe from the blackmailer.
• Guide you on what steps to take next.
• Help collect evidence if needed

• that you’re taking the right steps.

2) A Lawyer

A lawyer helps you understand your rights. They’ll tell you what to say, what not to say, and how to handle any contact with the blackmailer. If things go to court, they’ll be right there with you. Even one legal consultation can make you feel more secure.
Seek Legal Advice from a Lawyer

• Explain your legal rights.
• Draft letters that say “back off” to the blackmailer
• Take legal action if things get serious.
• Make sure you don’t do anything that could get you in trouble.e

3) Cybercrime Units

Online blackmail is common. If you’re getting threats through social media, email, or messaging apps, reach out to your country’s cybercrime unit. These specialists know how to track digital evidence and often work faster in internet-based cases.

Cybersecurity Experts Can Help You:

• Protect your social media accounts and emails
• Remove leaked photos and videos from websites.
• Trace where the attack came from
• Set up two-factor authentication to prevent future problems.
• Lock down your info so it doesn’t happen again.n

4) Trusted People

Don’t go through this alone. Talk to someone you trust. A close friend, a family member, or even a mental health professional can give you support. They may help you think clearly and stay calm when things feel overwhelming.

Taking the first step can feel scary, but help is out there. Knowing who to call if being blackmailed can turn panic into a plan.

What Should You Do Right Away After Being Blackmailed?

Being blackmailed feels like a punch in the gut. Your heart races, your brain spins, and panic wants to move in. But hey—take a breath. You’re not stuck. You’ve got power and people who can help.

Let’s get into what to do next 👇

 i) Save Everything

Every little detail counts. Screenshot text messages, emails, DMs—anything sketchy or threatening. If there are photos or videos, save them. Recorded calls? Keep ’em. Even if you feel shaken, gather all the receipts.

These are gold for your case later.

ii) Don’t Respond to the Blackmailer

We know it’s tempting to yell, bargain, or explain—but don’t. Messaging them can make things worse. Instead of reacting, focus on protecting yourself. Let the professionals handle the ugly stuff.

You’ve got better things to do—like being safe.

iii) Contact Law Enforcement

Call the local police or even the local FBI if it’s serious. They deal with this stuff more often than you’d think. Ask them directly who to call if being blackmailed—they’ll help you take the first step.

They’re trained to help and keep you protected.

IV) Talk to a Lawyer

A lawyer can be your shield. Especially one who knows criminal law or cybercrime. They’ll walk you through the key steps, explain what’s legal, and what crosses the line. Some threats—especially involving photos or video—can count as an emotional abuse-type of crime. If needed, they’ll send letters or file charges.

If things get serious, contact your local lawyer or police department. Legal backup? Yes, please.

V) Involve Cybersecurity Experts

If someone hacked your accounts or leaked photos or video, don’t panic. Call in cybersecurity pros. They’ll sweep your accounts, track down intrusions, and stop future messes.

They can also preserve evidence like a recorded call or suspicious messages, just in case you need it for the police department later.
Think of them as your digital clean-up crew.

VI) Reach Out for Support

Blackmail can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to. Support groups and helplines deal with this stuff daily. They understand emotional abuse as a type of crime, and they know the key steps to stay safe.

Call them. Message them. They’re just like you—only a little further down the road.

VII) Call a National Hotline

Things feel heavy? Call a national hotline. These are trained people who won’t judge, even if it’s about a recorded call or leaked photos, or video.

They’ll guide you, calm your nerves, and even help you contact the police if it gets serious. Search online for help, and look for credible names in the search results.

You’re not alone. It’s like a support squad, just one call away.

VIII) Keep Watch on Your Online Presence

Check your social media accounts, Google search results, and anything public. Suppose your personal information pops up where it shouldn’t; take screenshots. Then let the cybersecurity team or lawyer handle the cleanup.

You’re the boss of your own info—keep it that way.

IX) Turn On Two-Factor Authentication

If you haven’t already, now’s the time to add that extra lock. Two-factor authentication helps block anyone trying to snoop or sneak into your accounts. Think of it as a digital bodyguard.

Better safe than sorry, right? You’re not powerless. You’ve got tools, people, and options. Blackmail is scary—but you’re smarter, stronger, and way more prepared than you think.

Let’s turn panic into power.💪

Types of Blackmail You Might Face

Blackmail isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of mess. There are different ways people can try to trap you, and knowing which type you’re dealing with gives you a huge advantage.

Here’s the lowdown:

a) Financial Blackmail:

This is when someone demands cash. They might say, “Pay up or your secret gets out.” It’s all about squeezing money from you by playing dirty.

b) Sextortion:

Someone threatens to share private or intimate pictures or videos unless you meet their demands. It’s gross, illegal, and more common than you think.

c) Social Blackmail:

This is about wrecking your relationships. They might say they’ll tell your friends or family something embarrassing or damaging unless you do what they want.

d) Professional Blackmail:

Threats made at work. Like leaking private emails, personal mistakes, or accusations that could mess up your job or reputation.

e) Emotional Blackmail:

Less about money, more about guilt-tripping and manipulating you. Someone might threaten to hurt themselves, expose a secret, or make you feel terrible unless you comply.

👉 No matter the type, the goal is the same: control.
But now you know what’s up—and you can fight back smarter.

How to Protect Yourself from Future Blackmail

Once you’ve been through blackmail (or learned about it), you’ll want some serious protection.
Good news: You can absolutely armor up.

Here’s your protection plan:

1) Think Before You Share:

Private texts, pics, or videos? Only send if you’d be okay seeing them on a billboard. Otherwise, skip it.

2) Lock Your Accounts:

Make your social media accounts private. Restrict what strangers can view. No need to share your entire life. It’s not necessary at all.

3) Google Yourself:

Every few months, search your own name. Check what’s out there. If something shady pops up, you’ll catch it fast.

4) Password Power:

Use strong, different passwords for every account. If you need help remembering them, use a password manager.

5) Beware the Sketchy Link:

Don’t click random links, especially if they come from strangers, or weird “offers” that seem too good to be true.

👉 A few smart moves now can save you major drama later.

What NOT to Do If You’re Being Blackmailed

Panic mode can make you do crazy things. Let’s save you from some rookie mistakes:

a) Don’t Delete Anything

You need evidence. Messages, pictures, emails—save everything, even if it’s embarrassing. It could help you in court.

b) Don’t Pay Up:

Paying a blackmailer doesn’t make them go away. It just tells them you’ll pay again and again. Not worth it.

c) Don’t Go Solo:

It’s tempting to keep it a secret out of shame. But you’ll handle it better with help from friends, family, a lawyer, or law enforcement.

d) Don’t Lash Out:

Responding emotionally, threatening back, or arguing just fuels them. Stay cool. Let professionals step in.

e) Don’t Trust Random Fixers:

“Hackers” offering help online? Scammers pretending to “clean up” your mess? Avoid. Only trust legit professionals.

👉 Mistakes can make things worse. Stay calm and move smart.

Talking to Teens or Kids About Blackmail

Blackmail isn’t just an adult problem anymore. Kids and teens are huge targets, especially given the significant portion of their lives that takes place online.

Here’s how to tackle the convo:

• Keep It Chill:

If you act all panicked or judgmental, they’ll shut down. Keep the conversation open, casual, and real.

• Teach Them Early:

Before they even start using social media or texting friends, explain why keeping private info private matters.

• Tell Them They Can Talk to You:

No punishments. No lectures. Just support. If something shady happens, they need to feel safe coming to you.

• Show How to Report Stuff:

Walk them through how to block someone, report abuse on apps, and talk to an adult if things get scary.

• Repeat the Message:

Talking about it once isn’t enough. Make it a regular habit, just like you would remind them about online safety or stranger danger.

👉 You’re building trust and giving them serious armor against online creeps.

Conclusion

Okay, breathe deeply.!!! You have reached the end!!

Here’s the reality: blackmail is terrible. Blackmail is a dishonest and intimidating practice that undermines fairness and equity. But you? You’ve got knowledge now. You’ve got numbers to call, steps to follow, and people who’ve got your back.

So if blackmail ever knocks on your screen, don’t freeze. Don’t freak out. Just flip the script.

You know who to call if being blackmailed, what to save, and what not to do. You’ve got hotline heroes, legal eagles, and cyber-wizards on speed dial. And most importantly, you’ve got you.

Stay smart. Stay loud. Stay safe.
You’ve got this 💥

FAQs

What’s the first thing I should do if I’m being blackmailed?

Breathe. Then save all the evidence—texts, emails, photos, everything. After that, call the police or a national hotline. You don’t need to face this alone.

Who can I call for help?

You’ve got options! Try the National Domestic Violence Hotline, Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, VictimConnect, or even the FBI. They’re ready for this kind of stuff.

How can I protect myself from blackmail in the future?

Keep things private, lock down your accounts, and avoid sending anything you wouldn’t want on a billboard. Also, use two-factor authentication and strong passwords.

What if I’m underage and being blackmailed?

Tell an adult you trust right away. Then contact the authorities or a hotline. No shame. No blame. Just help.

Can my internet provider or phone company help?

They might! Especially if the threats are happening through texts or calls. But for real backup, contact cybercrime units or hotlines.