Q: I have been blackmailed and harassed online. What can I do about this?
I have been blackmailed for money online. A user who had a “fake” account got hold of explicit photos of me and is threatening to share them with all of my Instagram followers unless I pay them. I have documented all interactions with this person and have access to their phone number and venmo, which allowed me to do a background check to find out who they were and where they live.
*They used their real Venmo with a picture of themselves and their name. The background check verified that the number they gave me was related to the person on the venmo.
How do I sue? Do I have a case? What type of lawyer do I need? Is there anything I can be doing about this?
A: First, you would contact police to report a crime. The police can investigate and find the person responsible. If that person is in CA or at least in the US, then a lawsuit would be possible. However, unless that person is independently wealthy, do not expect an attorney to take such a case on a contingency fee basis. You would likely have to pay by the hour, because actually collecting seems highly unlikely.
Brad S Kane agrees with this answer
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- California
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A: I'm sorry to hear about your distressing situation. Here are some things to consider: Preserve evidence: Keep records of all interactions, including messages and any identifying information of the blackmailer. Report to law enforcement: Contact your local authorities and provide them with the evidence you have. Consult an attorney: Seek legal advice from an attorney who specializes in cybercrime or harassment cases to understand your options and the strength of your case. Enhance online security: Take steps to secure your online accounts and protect your personal information.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
