We Are Not Alone

First: Are We Safe?

If in immediate danger, call 911.

If having thoughts of self-harm:

• Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566 (24/7)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 686868 (24/7)

If needing someone to talk to right now:

• VictimLink BC: 1-800-563-0808 (24/7, 240+ languages, free, confidential)

What We May Be Feeling

It’s normal to feel:

• Fear – of the threats, of what might happen, of telling anyone
• Shame – even though we've done nothing wrong
• Panic – racing thoughts, trouble sleeping, feeling trapped
• Isolation – like we can't tell anyone, that no one would understand
• Anger – at the extortionist, at ourselves, at the situation
• Confusion – about what to do, who to trust, whether to pay

These are all normal responses to an abnormal situation.

Extortionists deliberately create these feelings. They want us to feel alone, scared, and ashamed – because that’s how they maintain control. Recognizing this is the first step to breaking free.

The Truth About Extortion

We Are Not the Wrongdoers

Even if the extortion involves something we regret or feel embarrassed about – we are the victims of a crime. The person threatening us is the criminal, not us.

Paying Usually Makes It Worse

Most victims who pay are asked for more money. Extortionists see payment as proof that we’ll keep paying. Stopping now is usually better than continuing.

This Happens to Many People

Extortion is widespread. In BC alone, police receive hundreds of reports each year – and many more go unreported. We are not alone, and we are not the first people this has happened to.

Extortionists Rarely Follow Through

While threats feel terrifying, most extortionists don’t actually release material if we stop responding. Their goal is money, and releasing material eliminates their leverage. This doesn’t guarantee anything, but it’s important context.

There Is Help Available

Victim services, counsellors, and law enforcement deal with extortion cases regularly. They’ve helped many people through this. Asking for help is a sign of strength.

Being Pressured to Stay Silent?

If someone is threatening us to keep quiet – that is part of the crime.

Extortionists use silence as a weapon. They may threaten to:

• Tell our family or employer
• Release embarrassing information
• Hurt us or people we love
• Make things worse if we talk to anyone

Here’s what they don’t want us to know:

Silence Keeps Us Trapped

Every day we stay silent is another day they have power over us. Breaking the silence is how we start to break free.

Telling Someone Does NOT Make It Worse

Extortionists say this to keep us isolated. In reality:

• Police and victim services handle these cases confidentially
• Most families, when told, respond with support – not judgment
• Reporting often STOPS the threats because we’re no longer an easy target

We Control Who Knows

We don’t have to tell everyone. We can:

• Call VictimLink BC anonymously (1-800-563-0808)
• Talk to a counsellor who is bound by confidentiality
• Tell one trusted person
• Report to police – they will discuss what information becomes public

They Are Counting On Our Fear

Extortionists target people they think will be too scared or ashamed to speak up. Proving them wrong is powerful.

“The moment I told someone, I felt like I could breathe again. The threats didn’t stop immediately, but I wasn’t alone anymore.”

Ready to talk to someone? Call VictimLink BC: 1-800-563-0808 – free, confidential, 24/7, in our languages.

What To Do Right Now

1. Don’t Pay (If We Haven’t Already)

Payment rarely stops extortion – it often leads to more demands. If we’ve already paid, don’t panic – but stop now.

2. Stop Communicating

Don’t respond to threats, pleas, or negotiations. Silence is powerful. Block the extortionist, but don’t delete accounts or messages – we may need them as evidence.

3. Secure Our Accounts

• Change passwords on all important accounts (email, social media, banking)
• Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible
• Check if email has been compromised: haveibeenpwned.com

4. Save Everything

Take screenshots of all threats, messages, and the extortionist’s profile. This evidence is crucial for reporting and may help remove content from platforms.

→ Detailed Evidence Guide

5. Tell Someone We Trust

This is often the hardest step. But isolation is the extortionist’s greatest tool. Telling one trusted person – a friend, family member, or counsellor – can bring enormous relief.

We can start by saying: “Something is happening to me that I need help with. I’m being threatened online. I haven’t done anything illegal, but I’m scared.”

6. Get Support

We don’t have to figure this out alone. Call VictimLink BC (1-800-563-0808) – they’re available 24/7, speak 240+ languages, and help people in our exact situation every day.

Removing Content from Platforms

If images or content have been shared (or threatened to be shared), we can report directly to platforms for removal:

StopNCII.org – A free tool to prevent intimate images from being shared. We can create a “hash” of images that platforms will detect and block: stopncii.org

Take It Down (for those under 18) – A similar service from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: takeitdown.ncmec.org

Understanding the Criminal Justice Process

If we decide to report to police, here’s what to expect:

Filing a Report

• We can report to our local police or RCMP detachment
• We’ll be asked to provide evidence (screenshots, messages)
• A police report creates an official record – this can help with platform takedowns, victim services, and potential prosecution
• We don’t have to have all the answers. Police understand these situations.

What Happens Next

• Police may investigate, especially if the extortionist is in Canada
• Many extortionists operate from overseas, making prosecution difficult – but our report still helps track criminal networks
• We may be referred to victim services for support

Our Rights as Victims

In Canada, victims have rights under the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights:

• The right to information about the investigation
• The right to protection (reasonable security measures)
• The right to participation in the criminal justice process
• The right to seek restitution

→ More on our legal rights

We Will Get Through This

Many people have faced extortion and come out the other side. Here’s what survivors often say:

“I wish I had told someone sooner. The relief I felt was immediate.”

“The threats felt so real in the moment. Looking back, stopping contact was the best thing I did.”

“Getting support from victim services changed everything. I wasn’t alone anymore.”

This will not last forever. With support, most people find their way through. We can too.

Next Steps

This page is for anyone experiencing extortion. We are not alone, we are not at fault, and support is available.