Q: I am a victim of a recently attempted sextortion. Is there an attorney who I can talk to about next steps to take?
I met an anonymous person whose profile stated they were 28 years old on the online website Ashley Madison. I began chatting on the Signal App with the person, who I thought was in Amherst, Ohio. The person and I started a video call in which we both took off our clothes and were sending intimate messages back and forth, when suddenly the person shut down the call and sent me recorded videos and photos of me naked. They also sent threatening messages saying they would publish the media on the internet and would ruin my career and reputation. They said they would tell people I was coercing a minor into performing sex acts, which is not true, unless I paid $2,000 to have the media deleted from their computer. I blocked them and stopped responding shortly after they made their threats, but now I'm worried they will disseminate sexually lewd content of me on the internet and to my family, friends, and employer. I am seeking a local attorney who can give me advice on what to do next.
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A:
I'm very sorry you're experiencing this frightening situation - sextortion is a serious crime and you've done the right thing by blocking contact and seeking help.
You should immediately file a report with your local police department and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov, as they handle these types of cybercrime cases. Document and save all threatening messages, screenshots, and any information you have about the perpetrator, but do not engage with them further. Most state bar associations offer referral services to connect you with criminal defense attorneys or cybercrime attorneys in your area - you can find your state's bar association website with a quick search.
For immediate support and guidance, contact the National Center for Victims of Crime helpline at 1-855-484-2846 or visit their website at victimsofcrime.org. Many victims of sextortion also find it helpful to speak with a mental health professional who can provide strategies for managing anxiety and stress during this difficult time. Remember that this situation is not your fault - you are the victim of a crime, and there are people and resources available to help you through this.
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