Get Help

Fraser Valley, BC · Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)

We don’t have to face this alone. Support is available — emotional, legal, financial, and practical.

24/7 Crisis Support: Call or text VictimLink BC: 1-800-563-0808
Free. Confidential. Available in 240+ languages including Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu.

Emotional Support

Extortion is traumatic. It’s normal to feel scared, ashamed, anxious, unable to sleep, or overwhelmed. These feelings are valid — and help is available.

VictimLink BC — 24/7, Free, Confidential

• Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Service in 240+ languages including Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Tagalog
• Trained victim service workers who understand trauma
• Help with safety planning, emotional support, and navigating the system
• Can connect us to local services

We don’t have to explain everything. We can simply say: “I’m being threatened and I need help.”

Crisis & Suicide Prevention

If experiencing thoughts of self-harm, please reach out immediately:

Culturally Informed Counselling

We understand that speaking to someone who shares our cultural background can make a difference.

What to ask for: When calling, we can request:

• A counsellor who speaks our language
• Someone familiar with South Asian family dynamics
• Someone experienced with crime-related trauma

Local Victim Services

Police-based victim services provide free, confidential support regardless of whether we’ve filed a report.

Legal Support

We may have questions about our legal options. Free and low-cost legal help is available.

What Lawyers Can Help With

• Understanding our rights as crime victims
• Navigating the criminal justice process
• Civil options (restraining orders, privacy protection)
• Immigration-related concerns if the extortion involves threats to our status
• Advice on what to share with police
• Understanding privacy laws around intimate images

We don’t need a lawyer to report a crime. But legal advice can help us understand our options.

Free & Low-Cost Legal Resources

Legal Aid BC — More Information

Who qualifies: Legal Aid BC provides free legal services to people with low to moderate income. Eligibility depends on income, family size, and the type of legal issue.

How to apply:

1. Call 604-408-2172 (Vancouver) or 1-866-577-2525 (province-wide)
2. Explain the situation — we’ll speak with an intake worker
3. They’ll assess eligibility and connect us to services

Available in multiple languages — ask for an interpreter if needed.

Important Notes

• We are not in legal trouble for being extorted. We are victims of a crime.
• Privacy laws protect us. Sharing intimate images without consent is a crime in Canada.
• Immigration status: If worried about immigration consequences, speak to a lawyer before making decisions.

Financial Support

If we’ve lost money to extortion, there may be ways to recover some losses or get financial help.

Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP)

BC’s Crime Victim Assistance Program provides financial benefits to victims of violent crime, including extortion involving threats.

What CVAP can cover:

How to apply:

• Phone: 1-866-660-3888 (press 5)
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm
• Online: gov.bc.ca/cvap

We don’t need a police report to apply — though reporting can strengthen applications.

Bank Fraud Departments

If we transferred money to an extortionist, contact the bank immediately. While recovery isn’t guaranteed, acting quickly increases chances.

What to tell them:

• We were victims of a crime (extortion)
• The date(s) and amount(s) of transfers
• How the transfer was made (e-transfer, wire, etc.)
• Ask about fraud investigation and recovery options

Major bank fraud departments:

If cryptocurrency was sent: Recovery is very difficult, but still report to police. It helps build cases against criminal networks.

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

Report financial losses to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre — even if already reported to police.

• Phone: 1-888-495-8501
• Online: antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca

They collect data on fraud patterns across Canada, which helps investigations.

Talking to Family

One of the hardest parts of extortion is deciding whether — and how — to tell family members.

We understand this is especially complex in South Asian families, where:

• Family reputation carries enormous weight
• Certain topics (relationships, sexuality, finances) may be stigmatized
• We may fear disappointing parents or elders
• Community gossip feels like a real threat
• Extortionists deliberately exploit these fears

We Are Not the Wrongdoers

This is important: Being extorted does not mean we did something wrong.

Extortionists are criminals who manipulate people. They target people precisely because they know how to exploit shame, family expectations, and cultural values.

Victim ≠ wrongdoer.

Even if the extortion involves something we regret, we are still victims of a crime. We deserve support, not judgment.

Why Telling Someone Can Help

• Isolation is the extortionist's greatest tool. They rely on our silence.
• Secrets create ongoing stress. Sharing — even with one person — can relieve enormous pressure.
• We may need practical help — with phones, accounts, or finances.
• Family may already sense something is wrong. Explaining can actually reduce suspicion.
• Most families, when told, respond with support — even if the initial reaction is difficult.

How to Approach the Conversation

We don’t have to share everything at once. Here are some approaches:

Starting simple:

“I’m dealing with something difficult. Someone is threatening me online. I haven’t done anything illegal, but I’m scared. I need your support.”

If worried about their reaction:

“Before I tell you what’s happening, I need you to know: I’m the victim here. This is a crime that’s happening to me. I need you to hear the whole thing before you react.”

If the extortion involves something sensitive:

“Someone is trying to use something against me. What matters right now is that they’re committing a crime. I’m working with [police/victim services/a counsellor] to handle it. I needed you to know.”

If not ready to share details:

“I can’t tell you everything right now, but I want you to know I’m dealing with a serious threat. I’m getting help. What I need from you is [support/patience/to not ask questions yet].”

Addressing Stigma

If family members react with judgment, these points may help:

• “This is happening to many families.” Extortion is a widespread crime targeting South Asian communities specifically. We are not alone.
• “They chose me because of our values.” Extortionists deliberately target people they think will be too ashamed to report.
• “Silence helps them, not us.” The only way to stop them is to talk about it.
• “I need support, not blame.” Even if I made a mistake, I’m being criminally targeted. That’s not my fault.

If Not Ready to Tell Family

That’s okay. We can:

• Talk to a counsellor first (see Emotional Support above)
• Contact VictimLink BC — they can help us think through the decision
• Work with victim services — they’ve helped many people navigate this
• Tell a trusted friend first
• Take time — there’s no deadline

We get to decide what to share, when, and with whom.

For Family Members

If someone has told us they’re being extorted:

• Listen without judgment. Our reaction matters.
• Believe them. They came to us because they trust us.
• Don't blame. Even if confused or upset, blame helps the extortionist.
• Ask how we can help. Let them guide what they need.
• Keep it private. Don't share with others without their permission.
• Support them in getting help. Offer to help them call victim services or accompany them to police.

Our support can make all the difference.

Still Not Sure Where to Start?

Call VictimLink BC: 1-800-563-0808

Free. Confidential. 24/7. In our languages.

They can help us figure out what we need — whether that’s emotional support, legal information, financial help, or just someone to talk to.

We don’t have to have everything figured out to ask for help.

Quick Reference

Disclaimer

This page provides general information only. It is not legal advice. For legal questions, please consult a lawyer or contact legal aid.

If in immediate danger, call 911.

Last updated: February 2026
This page is reviewed periodically. Sources: BC Government, VictimLink BC, Legal Aid BC, CVAP.