The phrase “blackmail” conjures up serious images of someone demanding money through threat of exposure. It’s a criminal act that’s defined as wrongfully obtaining money or property by threatening to reveal a damaging secret. Blackmail is illegal in many countries and is considered an offense that carries a heavy penalty.
Blackmail is defined as the wrongfully obtaining of money, property, or services, obtained through threats or coercion, or other exploitation of another person’s vulnerability. In essence, blackmail involves attempting to gain something by placing a person in fear of adverse consequences if they do not comply with the blackmailer’s demands. Blackmail is a criminal offense because it inherently involves a serious and unjustified infringement of an individual’s right to privacy and security.
Computer fraud, public humiliation, extortion, and threats of physical harm are just a few examples of criminal activities that fall under the category of blackmail. Blackmailers use threats to exploit someone’s weakness, often a person’s sense of shame in order to gain money, property, or even just compliance.
High profile blackmail cases in the news as of late include the case of the so-called “Hollywood blackmailer” who tried to extort money from celebrities by threatening to release confidential information about them. The blackmaileer was arrested and charged in 2018.
It’s important to remember that blackmail is a criminal offence that can have serious legal consequences. If you find yourself in a situation where someone is attempting to blackmail you, the best course of action is to contact your local police or the FBI immediately.