ReadOns.com | Discover New Blogs Daily

7 key steps to take when dealing with blackmail

Blackmail, also known as extortion, is when someone threatens to expose intimate and sensitive information. Being blackmailed can trigger a lot of stressful emotions, making one feel compelled to comply with the demands of the blackmailer. However, this may not put a stop to the threats. To avoid this, it is crucial to take certain measures the very first time one is threatened with blackmail. Here are a few steps one can take:

Immediate next steps
1. Avoid agreeing to the blackmailer’s demands
Often, when threatened with blackmail, one may feel forced to give in to the demands of the blackmailer. They believe that once they do exactly what the blackmailer asks them to do, the threats will completely go away. Unfortunately, this might not happen. On the contrary, as one fulfills all demands, the blackmailer may feel reassured that they have all the control in this situation. Additionally, this may tempt the blackmailer to make more demands. So, it would be best to ignore the demands. Often, the blackmailer will stop threatening when they find out their demands will not be fulfilled. Nevertheless, it is impossible to tell if the blackmailer will follow through with their threats. But once one gives in to the demands, the blackmailer will definitely come back for more.

2. Break off all communication with the blackmailer
Dealing with blackmail can be a volatile situation, so things can get out of hand quite quickly. To establish a sense of control, one may want to keep communicating with the blackmailer to make them slip up and reveal something they didn’t intend to or request them to hold on to the sensitive information they are using as leverage. But this will only make the situation worse. So, it is important to cut off all contact with the blackmailer as soon as the first threats come in. By declining to communicate with the extortionist, one can get some control over the situation.

3. Block the blackmailer on all platforms
If a blackmailer is making threats on a social media platform, the first step should be to block them. The next step is to ask everyone they know on the platform to do the same. To do this, one can send a message to everyone telling them upfront that someone is threatening them and share the username and identity of the blackmailer in the message. Blocking takes away a lot of leverage from blackmailers. In most cases, this usually works, and the blackmailer ends up giving up. This is because it becomes almost impossible for them to send their threats directly to the person they are blackmailing or through their friends and followers.

4. Change the privacy settings
Cyber-blackmailers usually threaten one with revealing one’s personal details and photos to friends, family, and co-workers. By doing so, they tap into the fear of besmirching the image and reputation of the victim. To avoid giving the blackmailer this power, one should immediately change the privacy settings on all social media platforms. One should also turn all public profiles into private ones. Also, one should hide their friends and family lists from everyone. This way, the blackmailer will have very restricted and limited access to personal information that is available on social media platforms.

Additional steps
5. Record and save all communication
Along with blocking the blackmailer on all social media platforms, one should also save all communication with the blackmailer. The texts, calls, and social media posts sent by the blackmailer can act as evidence of the threats. So, one should capture and save screenshots of all the texts. If possible, one should make copies of all voice and video messages, especially those that explicitly indicate blackmail. Further, one should keep records of all the personal information and details of the blackmailers, such as their usernames, phone numbers, social media handles, and emails. As blackmail is considered a punishable crime, all forms of evidence of blackmail can come in handy when one is seeking legal protection against the blackmailer.

6. File a complaint
Once one has collected all the evidence they can, it is time to reach out to the local police station. One can talk to police personnel and inform them about the threats. Then, one can fill out a police report. After this, the police will take action based on the local and federal laws. Sometimes, the police may also ask to report the blackmail threats to federal law enforcement agencies. So, one can directly connect with the local office of the relevant agency and hand over all the evidence they have collected.

7. Seek legal assistance
Finally, one should consult and even consider hiring an attorney and seeking legal protection when dealing with blackmail. A lawyer will help in seeking legal recourse while also offering solutions to minimize the damage caused by the blackmailers. Further, they can also help represent the victim in court if a case is filed against the blackmailers, especially if they have followed through with their threats. Besides, a lawyer can be a useful ally who can deal with the law enforcement authorities to pursue the case against the blackmailer.

Popular Reads

Top 6 foods that may reduce dementia risk

Many individuals mistakenly believe that dementia is a disease, but it’s a term used to describe symptoms related to memory, social abilities, and thinking. These symptoms can be challenging to manage and can impact daily activities. However, healthcare professionals often recommend implementing a healthy meal plan as a way to improve management. If you’re interested in learning about how your food intake can reduce the risk of developing dementia, read on. What is dementia? As previously mentioned, dementia is not a specific disease. Instead, health conditions like Alzheimer’s disease are among its most frequent causes in older adults. Other known causes of dementia include damage to the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the brain, the formation of balloon-like proteins in the brain, and the breakdown of connections and nerve cells in the brain. While memory loss is one of its most recognizable signs, this symptom alone does not mean one has dementia. Most symptoms of this group of health issues can vary depending on the cause. Hence, here are some of the most common signs to look out for. Memory loss Difficulties while communicating Reasoning and problem-solving issues Poor control of movements and coordination Disorientation Confusion What are the foods that can help reduce the risk of dementia? Typically, dementia and Alzheimer’s are known to be caused by a combination of several factors, such as environmental, lifestyle, and genetic. Furthermore, developing issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can contribute to cognitive decline in patients. Therefore, healthcare professionals suggest the consumption of nutrient-rich foods to reduce dementia risk as one grows older. Some of the foods that can be added to one’s meal plan are: Avocados Avocados are one of the most commonly known superfoods, which can provide the brain with the needed energy without a spike in blood sugar levels.

Avoid these 15 common shower mistakes

There is nothing a warm shower cannot resolve. Showering after a long day can be a stress reliever and enhance one’s mood instantly. It also has several other health benefits besides cleansing the body, including facilitating cold relief, boosting immunity, and relieving muscle pain. However, not bathing the right way can give rise to skin conditions such as rashes and eczema. Here are some common mistakes one should avoid while bathing and showering: Not moisturizing after a shower Wiping after a bath can reduce the body’s moisture, causing dry skin, which can lead to rashes and itching. Dermatologists recommend applying body lotion and moisturizer immediately after a shower to retain skin texture and prevent dryness. One should look for hypoallergenic moisturizers that do not have any added fragrances. Bathing in scorching hot water Scorching hot water can damage keratin cells in the skin’s outer layer. Consequently, the skin becomes dry and dehydrated. It is important to balance the water temperature before stepping into the shower. Ideally, the temperature of the water should be lukewarm. Using the wrong towel An absorbent towel that does not feel rough is ideal for wiping oneself after a shower. The most effective way to select the right towel is to check its density, measured in grams per square meter (GSM). Towels with GSMs between 400 and 550 are considered ideal for use after bathing. One should avoid towels below a GSM of 400, as these towels can be thin and rough, causing skin dryness. Moreover, towels made of superior-quality Egyptian or Turkish cotton are extremely soft and perfect for the skin. Soaping the arms and legs excessively While it is important to wash and clean one’s arms and legs, these areas typically do not collect much oil and dust. Hence, scrubbing them excessively can dry out these areas and hamper their natural texture.

15 signs of a weak immune system

The immune system is a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins that act as the body’s defense mechanism against diseases and infections. The system —the innate immune system that people are born with and the adaptive immune system, which develops due to exposure to toxins and microbes. Both parts work together to keep infection-causing germs and toxins. So, weak immunity can make the body susceptible to diseases and other health issues. High stress levels The American Psychological Association suggests that chronic stress weakens the immune system. This is because stress lowers the number of white blood cells (i.e., lymphocytes) in the body that fight infections, increasing the risk of infections such as the common cold. Persistent cold Most adults develop two to three colds per year, which usually last from 7 to 10 days. During this period, the immune system forms antibodies to fight the virus. However, if one keeps catching a cold or is dealing with common cold symptoms for a long time, it could be a sign of weak immunity. Slow-healing wounds When one develops a cut or a wound, the body immediately goes into damage control mode to stop any bleeding and regenerate skin. Immune cells in the body guide this process. However, when dealing with a weakened immune system, wounds take longer to heal. This can make one more susceptible to infections as well. Frequent infections Those with a lowered immunity are at a higher risk of contracting infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, bronchitis, and skin infections. They are also more likely to experience autoimmune disorders, organ inflammation, blood disorders such as anemia, and growth and developmental delays. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, some signs of weak immunity include: – Having more than four ear infections in a year – Developing pneumonia twice within a year – Dealing with chronic sinusitis or more than three episodes of bacterial sinusitis in a year Fatigue If one constantly feels tired despite getting enough sleep, it may be a sign of weak immunity.