Extortion is a crime in which one person uses force, violence, or intimidation to make another person do something against their will. Extortion usually involves a demand for money or property, but it can also be used to coerce the victim to perform some action, such as giving a promotion or voting for a certain issue. Extortion often targets the victim’s person, property, family, or friends. If you are a shop owner, you are demanded by some offenders to pay for their protection to prevent something bad (such as an assault on the shopkeeper or damage to his or her store or goods) from happening. Or you have received messages like: “Give me R50,000, or I am going to post these private pictures of you and your family on the net”. Yes, you are being extorted if you are in these kinds of situations. And here we focus on what to do if someone is extorting you, and ways to protect against extortion or blackmail. Common examples of extortionists include:

1. Organized Crime Gangs.
2. Pirates.
3. Political Extremists.
4. Disgruntled Workers.
5. Local Thugs. Extortion can happen to anyone. It means you must take initiative-taking steps to protect yourself and stop the potential victimizers in their tracks.
Preventing extortion requires a combination of awareness, preparedness, and proactive measures. Here are some tips to help prevent extortion:
1. Safeguard your computer These days, a great many extortion efforts originate in the online world, so it is important to learn how to avoid cyber blackmail. Safeguarding your computer can go a long way toward stopping someone from extorting you. Ensure that your computer is running the latest antivirus software and that the virus definitions are updated at least daily.
2. Be wary of unsolicited emails and avoid clicking on unknown links. Be on the lookout for the early warning signs of a malware or virus infection, including a sudden slowdown in computer performance or being inundated with pop-up ads. Be sure to protect your other electronic devices as well and lock down your wireless network with a strong password.
3. Watch what you share Be careful what you share. A safe way to stop extortion or prevent someone from blackmailing you is to keep your Facebook page and other social media sites private and check the security settings frequently to make sure you are protected.
4. Be aware of current scams In some cases, a criminal who tries to extort money from you will have harmful information to reveal, but in other cases they will just be bluffing. How you approach the extortion attempt may depend in large measure on how believable the individual’s claims are, so it pays to be aware of current scams and the stories of other victims and potential victims.
5. Be cautious with personal information: . Limit sharing personal details, especially financial information, online and offline.
6. Verify authenticity Scrutinize requests for money or sensitive information and verify the authenticity of the requestor.
7. Set boundaries Communicate your limits and expectations to others.
8. Document interactions
Keep records of interactions, especially with strangers or unfamiliar individuals.
9. Stay Informed Educate yourself about common extortion tactics and stay up to date on local scams.
10. Be wary of threats Do not give in to threats or demands; instead, report them to authorities/police.
11. Seek support Build a support network of trusted friends, family, or professionals.
12. Report incidents Inform law enforcement or relevant authorities about extortion attempts.
13. Stay calm and think clearly In the face of an extortion attempt, remain calm and think clearly to make rational decisions.
14. Consult legal advice Consult legal advice and professional investigators if targeted by extortionists.
15. Have a response protocol Implement a response protocol for swift action against future extortion threats.
16. Utilize Victim support services for guidance Utilize victim support services for guidance, emotional support, and protective measures.
17. Community programs Involvement in community programs and awareness programs to educate and prevent extortion.
18. Extortion Helpline Other countries have an anti-extortion Helpline and use the helpline to report suspected acts of extortion. By taking these preventive measures, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to extortion and protect yourself from potential harm. How to Report Extortion Follow the steps below to manage the threats of extortion effectively:

Step 1: Collect your documents or information to prove that someone is blackmailing you. This could be a spoken threat or a written threat.

Step 2: Report the event to the local authorities/law enforcement. You need to go to your local police station to file your report in person instead of calling 08610111 or 911.

Step 3: You may also want to report the extortion attempt directly to the Hawks or FBI to protect your rights further and protect yourself from future extortion attempts.

While you are contacting the local police, be smart in dealing with extortionists. Do not make them mad, or they may go to extremes and do something harmful to you or your family.