You Are Not Alone

First: Are You 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 You May Be Feeling

It’s normal to feel:

• Fear – of the threats, of what might happen, of telling anyone
• Shame – even though you've done nothing wrong
• Panic – racing thoughts, trouble sleeping, feeling trapped
• Isolation – like you can't tell anyone, that no one would understand
• Anger – at the extortionist, at yourself, 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 you 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

You Are Not the Wrongdoer

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

Paying Usually Makes It Worse

Most victims who pay are asked for more money. Extortionists see payment as proof that you’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. You are not alone, and you are not the first person this has happened to.

Extortionists Rarely Follow Through

While threats feel terrifying, most extortionists don’t actually release material if you 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 you to keep quiet – that is part of the crime.

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

• Tell your family or employer
• Release embarrassing information
• Hurt you or people you love
• Make things worse if you talk to anyone

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

Silence Keeps You Trapped

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

Telling Someone Does NOT Make It Worse

Extortionists say this to keep you isolated. In reality:

• Police and victim services handle these cases confidentially
• Many people fear the worst reaction from family; in practice, support is often possible when the conversation is handled calmly and safely
• Reporting often STOPS the threats because you’re no longer an easy target

You Control Who Knows

You don’t have to tell everyone. You 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 Your Fear

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

What To Do Right Now

If you are being extorted now, follow these steps. For the full step-by-step guide — including what to save, how to report by province, and how to get ongoing support — see the What To Do Now guide.

Quick version:

1. Don’t pay — Payment rarely stops extortion; it often leads to more demands.
2. Stop communicating — Silence is powerful. Block, but don’t delete (evidence matters).
3. Secure accounts — Change passwords, enable two-factor authentication.
4. Save everything — Screenshots of threats, messages, profiles. Evidence guide →
5. Tell someone you trust — Isolation is the extortionist’s greatest tool.
6. Get support — VictimLink BC: 1-800-563-0808 (free, confidential, 24/7, 240+ languages).

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

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

BC Intimate Images Protection Service — Provincial help to remove intimate images and stop sharing: gov.bc.ca

Understanding the Criminal Justice Process

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

Filing a Report

• You can report to your local police or RCMP detachment
• You’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
• You 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 your report still helps track criminal networks
• You may be referred to victim services for support

Your Rights as a Victim

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 your legal rights

You 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. You can too.

Next Steps

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