Threats and extortion scams: How they work and how to stay safe from online blackmail

Estimated reading time
 5 min

Jump to

• What are threat and extortion scams?
• Common examples of threats and extortion scams
• Red flags to watch out for
• How can you protect yourself from threats and extortion scams?
• What can you do if you’re being threatened or extorted?
• Who can you talk to if you’re being threatened or extorted?

From revealing personal details to threats of photos or videos being leaked, arrest, or deportation, cybercriminals are using blackmail to create panic and force quick decisions.

The emotional effects of these types of scams can be long lasting, and since anyone can be a target of cyber extortion, it’s important to know the warning signs, and how to proceed if you do encounter a scammer.  

What are threat and extortion scams?

Cyber extortion happens when scammers threaten to harm you unless you give them what they want - usually money or cryptocurrency. They typically involve threats to your safety, reputation, or livelihood.

Many of these scams begin with threatening emails. Scammers may claim to have compromising photos, videos, or personal information and demand payment - usually in money or cryptocurrency - to keep it private. Scammers may also call pretending to be law enforcement, threatening arrest or deportation.

Common examples of threats and extortion scams

• Threats from a government official: A criminal impersonates a government official who threatens you with arrest, deportation or imprisonment for unpaid tax bills or a problem with your visa.
  
  
• Threats of reputation damage: A scammer will claim to have remote access to your computer or impersonate someone you know, like a romantic interest or close friend. They will contact you with the threat of releasing personal photos or videos that would harm your reputation.
  
  
• Threats of violence: You receive a phone call or message that threatens you with bodily harm if you do not immediately follow their instructions. 
   

Red flags to watch out for

1. An unexpected message from someone claiming to have compromising videos or images of you or compromising information about you.
   
   
2. An email exposing an old (or current) password and/or personal details (e.g. birth date and address) – as proof they have access to your account or know about you.
   
   
3. An unexpected call claiming to be from a government agency that is automated, threatening or aggressive.
   
   
4. Pressure to act fast to avoid embarrassment, reputation damage, or penalties.
   
   

How can you protect yourself from threats and extortion scams?

• Don’t open any links or attachments that are sent to you by an extortionist.
  
  
• If you feel panicked or threatened, go to a nearby police station and ask for assistance, do not comply with the scammer’s demands.
  
  
• Ignore all contact from anyone threatening or attempting to extort you. Hang up on the caller immediately, or do not respond to messages.
  
  
• Verify identities of callers or senders claiming to be from official organisations by contacting the organisation directly on a trusted number.
  
  
• Do a reverse image search if the scammer sends you their photo to see if, if the scammer’s photos appear elsewhere online.
  
  
• Update your security settings on social media to private.
  
  
• If you're unsure whether an email or SMS is a scam, copy part of the message into a search engine - it may match known scams reported by others.
  
  
• Educate family members, especially kids and seniors, about threats and extortion scams and explain what they should do if they are contacted. 
  
  

What can you do if you’re being threatened or extorted?

If you’re being targeted by cyber extortion, the best thing is not to engage. Hang up or ignore the email or text message, and if you feel overwhelmed, talk to someone you trust to help you think clearly and offer moral support.

Next steps include:

• Documenting as much of the interaction as you can for the authorities - You can take screenshots of messages or call logs, collect information about the blackmailer, and information about the interactions – when they contacted you and how.
  
  
• Contacting your bank immediately to prevent any funds from being taken from your accounts. If you’re an ANZ customer, please contact us immediately.
  
  
• Change your passwords on your personal banking accounts and any other system you think might be compromised.
  
  
• If you shared credit card details, block or cancel those cards immediately. If your cards are with ANZ, you can do this through the app. Learn more.
  
  

Who can you talk to if you’re being threatened or extorted?

• Report the scam to the Police through the Australian Signals Directorate’s ReportCyber portal. This resource is there for reports of scams where money or personal information has been lost.
  
  
• Report the cyber abuse incident to the eSafety Commissioner.
  
  
• You can also contact IDCare, a not-for-profit organisation providing support to those experiencing identity and cyber security concerns.
  
  
• Help others by reporting to Scamwatch to help them prevent future losses, monitor trends and educate the population about emerging threats.