How To Respond To Attempted Blackmail
Posted on: 27 May 2022
Blackmail in a business setting can be a major challenge. Whether it is directed at the company or an individual, you'll want to navigate the situation without creating too big of a mess. If you're thinking about how to respond to the situation, a blackmail consulting firm will usually want you to use the following approach.
Refrain from Engaging with the Blackmailer
Whenever possible, try to not engage with whoever is attempting to blackmail you. You need time to assess the situation, and the best move is to keep the conditions as static as possible. If the person presses the issue, simply tell them you're not in a position to handle whatever it is they're doing at this moment. End any conversation about it as quickly as possible and without offering anything in return.
Notably, you should always refrain from threats or recriminations. Depending on the nature of the attempt, that may be exactly what the blackmailer wants. Likewise, it could reduce your ability to use legal remedies if you create civil or criminal liability.
Make Contemporaneous Notes
Do not rely on your memory, no matter how good it is. As long as such notes don't contain information that might trigger criminal or civil exposure, make contemporaneous notes. Stick to the simplest and most factual version of events.
Note who attempted to blackmail if you can identify them. However, don't guess. If you don't have a name or description of the person, don't leap to assumptions regarding their identity. Make basic notes about when they contacted you and what the contact indicated it was about. Try to produce notes as soon after events so you can refresh your memory at later dates.
Hire a Consultant
Never go it alone in a situation like this. While you'll probably want to initially limit the circle of who knows about the situation, you need to at least conduct a blackmail consultation with a professional. They can review your notes and the nature of the situation. Options may range from simply ignoring the situation to contacting law enforcement.
Determine if It Is Blackmail
Be aware that one of the first things a consultant will want to do is to determine if the other party's actions even constitute blackmail. Generally, blackmail proposes a quid pro quo. One party gets something from another in exchange for an action, inaction, payment, or something of value.
However misguided the person may be, sometimes it is just commerce, negotiation, reporting, whistleblowing, or running their mouth. Once the consultant has determined whether it is blackmail, you can then decide how to respond.
For more information on blackmail consulting, contact a professional near you.
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