Zelle Sextortion? How to Avoid Exposure (Full Guide)

Are you being sextorted? Need real answers - fast? Contact me now for 1-on-1 assistance. I've worked on over 1,000+ sextortion cases since 2019 and know this scam inside and out, including the tried-and-tested strategies for preventing your exposure. Our business has been online for 24 years, and is BBB A+ Accredited with ZERO complaints - ever. That track record speaks for itself. If you're ready to take action, reach out to me now. Otherwise, keep reading - this guide will show you exactly what's happening and what to do (and what not to do) next.

Infopackets Reader Adam G. writes:

"Dear Dennis,

I think I fell for a Zelle sextortion scam and I'm freaking out. About a week ago, I met someone through Plenty of Fish - her profile clearly said she was 19. We messaged back and forth casually for days - she seemed legit.

Initially, she sent a few harmless selfies, but things escalated quickly and she became much more forward once we moved the conversation to WhatsApp. The next day, I got a call from someone claiming to be her father. He was very angry, claiming that his daughter was underage and accused me of committing a crime - going so far as to label me as an 'offender'. To be honest, the guy sounded like he was African. I couldn't make out some of the words he used because of the accent.

At any rate, he said he was going to call the police and have me arrested unless I paid to 'make things right.' He she was so distraught, she smashed her phone - and now I was expected to cover the cost. On top of that, he said she needed therapy and insisted I should be the one to pay for it.

I panicked and, without thinking it through, I sent $750 using Zelle. I just wanted it to go away. But a few hours later, I got another message - this time from 'their lawyer,' demanding another $1,000 in order to have the case dismissed.

That's when it hit me: this is probably a Zelle sextortion scam. I started searching online for anything I could find - stuff like 'Zelle angry father scam help', and 'dating app she's underage scam' - but I couldn't find anything clear or helpful fast enough.

Now I keep seeing warnings like 'Zelle scammer threatening to expose me' and 'urgent Zelle blackmail what to do' posted on Reddit, and I'm terrified I'm in way too deep. They have my name, phone number, and they're threatening to ruin my life if I don't keep paying.

I've read your two other articles on Venmo Sextortion? How to Stop It (and Avoid These Mistakes) and Why Sextortionists Use CashApp (and How to Stay Protected) - but this case is slightly different from those whereby explicit images or videos are exchanged. In my case, none of that happened.

Can you help me stop this Zelle sextortion before it gets worse?"

My response:

Thanks for your message.

If you're reading this and Adam's story feels uncomfortably familiar, you're not alone.

This kind of scam (known affectionately as "the angry father scam") has exploded across dating apps, social media, and messaging platforms - and Zelle is often the weapon of choice. The tactics are calculated, the threats feel real, and once money changes hands, the pressure only gets worse.

Zelle sextortion scams have also surfaced through popular messaging apps such as Snapchat, WhatsApp, Google Chat, where scammers create fake profiles, escalate conversations quickly, and then launch directly into blackmail by targeting contacts on both Facebook and Instagram (in 99% of all cases).

In all, the angry father scam is slightly different than most sextortion schemes I just mentioned - whereby explicit videos and pictures are exchanged (and immediate threats are made to release them to the victim's contacts) - but overall, everything else is the same.

In this article, I'll take a deep dive to explain Why Sextortion Scammers Love Zelle, What to Expect during a Sextortion Scam, What Not to Do, What to Do Instead, and Information about Hiring Me if you choose to do so. As I previously mentioned: I've worked on over 1,000+ sextortion cases since 2019 and I know this scam inside and out (this article is proof). If you have time, please keep reading - otherwise, you can contact me here for a way out ASAP.

This article contains the following sections (I recommend you read it from start to finish):

• Zelle Sextortion Scam - What You Need To Know
  • Why Scammers Love Zelle
  • Can Zelle Refund You After a Sextortion Scam?
     
• Already Sent Money? Expect this to Happen Next
  • Why Paying Makes You a Bigger Target
  • From Bad to Worse - the Second Phase of The Scam
  • Boss Level - the Third Phase
  • Can't Pay? Watch out for these Next-level Traps
  • Demands for More - Months Later
     
• Zelle Sextortion Scammer Techniques
  • Screenshots of Contacting Friends and Family
  • Promises to Delete Files with Video Proof
  • Your Video is Uploaded to Youtube 'in Private Mode'
  • Infiltration of Friends and Family
     
• Avoid these Critical Mistakes
  • Don't Answer the Phone when They Call
  • Don't Shut Down Your Social Media
  • Don't Block the Scammer - Yet
  • Don't Tell Contacts Your Account Got Hacked
  • Don't Fall for Blackmail Recovery Scams
  • Don't Bother Filling Out Reports
  • Don't Expect the Authorities to Save You
     
• What to Do Instead
  • Stop Paying Immediately
  • Step Back and Think
  • Assess the Risk
  • Use Strategic Delays
  • Lock Down Your Accounts
  • Maintain Communication Sparingly
     
• Get Expert Help - Now

Zelle Sextortion Scam - What You Need To Know

Why Scammers Love Zelle

Zelle is a payment service linked directly to your bank account. You don't need a separate wallet or balance - when you send money using Zelle, it moves instantly from your bank account to the recipient's. There is no holding period, and no approval step.

Zelle is fast, final, and difficult to reverse - that makes it ideal for sextortion scammers. Because it operates through direct bank-to-bank transfers and is built on trust between users, Zelle lacks traditional fraud protection mechanisms. That means once a scammer has your money, it's highly unlikely you will get it back.

Related:

• Why Sextortionists Use CashApp (and How to Stay Protected)
• Venmo Sextortion? How to Stop It (and Avoid These Mistakes)
• FB Dating Turns to Crypto-Sextortion - Here's What to Do

Can Zelle Refund You After a Sextortion Scam?

Quite often I'm asked: "What is Zelle's refund policy?" In most cases, a refund isn't possible especially when it comes to sextortion.

Banks consider Zelle transfers to be "authorized" if you willingly sent them - even if you were coerced or misled. A very small number of people have reported success in reversing Zelle transfers, but truthfully speaking, it only happens once in a blue moon and if you're lucky enough to speak to a very understanding customer service agent. The same thing goes if you send money using PayPal or any other e-transfer service for that matter.

Already Sent Money? Expect this to Happen Next

Why Paying Makes You a Bigger Target

Once you send a payment, the scammers know they've got you. They label you as a compliant victim - someone who caves under pressure - and the demands always continue. Many victims are promised it's a one-time payment to resolve the issue, but it never ends after the first payment and that is how this scam goes 100% of the time - even if there is a 'break' after the initial threats.

I'm asked this question almost daily, and every time I'm proven right - they always return. I'm also asked why some scammers don't demand a second payment almost immediately after money is sent - I surmise it is likely because either (a) it takes time for money to clear, or (b) the scammers are busy scamming 10-15 people a day [each] and they are just too busy to see if the money came through or not.

The gist of it is this: once you've signaled that you're willing to cooperate, and scammers will squeeze that fear for as long as they can - usually until you wise up and: give in and let them follow through (or not), you seek professional help in getting them off your back (contact me here if you need help), or you run out of money.

Are you caught up in a sextortion scheme? Not sure what to do? I've worked on over 1,000+ sextortion cases since 2019 and know how to prevent your exposure and shut the blackmailers down for good. Contact me here for a free 15-minute phone call consultation - I'm happy to answer your questions. When you contact me, you will also receive two free reports that contain invaluable information: Five Strategies to Stall Blackmail Scammers and Not Pay Anything and Sextortion Survival Guide - Five Critical Mistakes to Avoid and What to Do Instead. These invaluable guides contain proven strategies to help you take control of the situation before it escalates.

From Bad to Worse - the Second Phase of The Scam

As soon as the first payment is cleared, the scammer will almost always immediately demand more. That's because in the first phase, it's all about bargaining.

Quite often scammers will ask for an outrageous amount - $1500 for example - but you manage to negotiate it down for $500. They gladly accept it and promise that they won't expose you even for the smaller amount you agreed upon, so long as you send the money using one of their preferred payment methods.

But as soon as that money is received (sometimes it's not instant transfer and takes time to clear), they will come back once again and say that you still owe $1,000, even though that's not what you just agreed upon. After some more haggling, many victims agree to pay a second time because they are under immense stress and because the scammer is threatening immediate exposure. The psychology behind it is simple: you've already paid once, you know you're in deep, and now you're led to believe that a second payment will finally make it all go away. So, against your better judgment - you pay again.

But, as soon as you do, a third request to 'finalize the deal' is made.

Here's proof: this screenshot was sent to me from a victim that already paid twice. A third request to "finalize the deal" was made.

Boss Level - the Third Phase

Once bitten, twice shy. How about a third round of blackmail?

In many cases, scammers will say that sending a third payment will be the 'final amount.' And, quite often, scammers will introduce new players: depending on the type of scam, it may be 'the boss' stating that you haven't paid enough, or that your images and video files haven't been permanently deleted (even though they showed you video proof of the files being deleted), or that a 'lawyer' needs to get involved, as in Adam's case.

The third wave of blackmail is just as aggressive as the second and comes with even steeper demands. Depending on what information they have on you, how much you've paid, and what you have to lose: quite often, scammers will put you on a 'payment plan,' meant to take months or a year to pay off. Even if you do, they will never, ever stop asking for more. I've already worked on a number of cases where this has happened.

Related:

• How Long Does Sextortion Last?
• Sextortion - What to Do (and What Not to Do)
• Being Harassed on Instagram? Here's How to Stop It - Fast

Can't Pay? Watch out for these Next-level Traps

If you tell the scammer that you can't pay, some will shift tactics and try to exploit you in other ways. One common move is asking for a photo of your Driver's License - they'll claim it's for "verification" or to prove you're serious about resolving the issue. In reality, they're collecting your personal data to commit identity theft, open accounts in your name, or sell your information on black market forums.

Others may suggest an "alternative arrangement" where you hold or move money for them - essentially asking you to become one of their money mules. They'll frame it as helping them "clean up" their own situation, or paying off a "boss," or assisting another victim. Don't fall for it. Acting as a money mule is illegal - and if you're caught moving stolen funds or laundering money, you could face real criminal charges, even if you were desperate or manipulated into it.

Don't want this to happen to you? Let's stop it now - before it gets worse. If you're being pressured into giving up your ID, moving money, or making "alternative arrangements," you're already in dangerous territory. Contact me now for discreet help before you cross a line you can't come back from. You still have options - but only if you act smart, not scared. I can help make the scammers go away - and keep you from being exposed. Our BBB A+ rating and track record speaks for itself.

Demands for More - Months Later

Even if you don't make it to the second or third phase, it doesn't always mean you will be left alone.

If you've paid scammers close to a thousand dollars or more, you can be fairly certain they will come back - often months later. The best advice here is not to answer the requests because as soon as you do, they will start with more threats. I always tell my clients: even if you receive what appears to be an innocent message from an unknown number, don't respond because it might be them.

It's worth noting that if you decide to hire me, I provide 1-on-1 support by email and phone for up to 60 days. There's a good reason for that: in some cases I've worked on - particularly those involving African scam groups - the harassment can last for weeks. Depending on how much you've paid, these scammers may disappear for a while, then return months later to try again, as I've already mentioned. If that happens, even after we've shut things down, you'll still be covered. When you hire me, I'll include a detailed information packet outlining everything we've discussed - including how to reapply the techniques we used the first time around. If you ever have a quick question later on, I'll be here to answer it. I don't leave my clients hanging - and I certainly won't ask you to pay me all over again for basic follow-up support. That's not how I operate.

Zelle Sextortion Scammer Techniques

Screenshots of Contacting Friends and Family

A common tactic scammers use is to claim they've already contacted people you know - and they'll try to prove it by sending screenshots showing your pictures or videos were shared. They'll say that if you pay right now, they can 'unsend' or delete the messages. In many cases, these screenshots are fake, designed to scare you into sending more money.

But not always. Some blackmailers do follow through, especially if you've already paid or shown signs of panic. That's why it's critical to respond strategically - not emotionally - and avoid making rushed decisions.

Also keep in mind that most scammers don't work alone - they operate in groups, and your information is often shared or passed along within that group. Each scammer plays a specific role, and as the scam progresses, you're handed off from one to the next. This creates a linear threat chain, where each new contact pushes the pressure further.

What starts as a bluff with a fake screenshot on day one might escalate into something real by day two or three. In other words: just because the first scammer didn't follow through doesn't mean the next one won't.

Here's an example from a real case I worked on: the scammers followed through by contacting the victim's friend; they admitted to having a video of him and told the friend to pass the message along so that they could "renegotiate" his terms. Here's the screenshot related to that case. In the end, they contacted all of his friends and family, asking for his wife's phone number so they could text her directly with the video of him. (They never made it through because he was able to thwart their efforts with my help).

Quite often, the longer the scam drags on, the more aggressive scammers become. These scams rarely end in a single day - and the deeper you go, the harder it is to get out without help. Not sure what to do? Contact me for help - I'm happy to answer your questions.

Related:

• Do Blackmailers Follow Through? (And What to Expect)
• How Long Does Sextortion Last?
• Sextortion - What to Do (and What Not to Do)

Promises to Delete Files with Video Proof

One of the tell-tale signs you're dealing with a Philippine scammer is when they send you video proof of your files being deleted in exchange for your money. The video is typically compiled on a Windows 7 machine whereby they supposedly drag your incriminating files into a recycle bin.

The reality, however, is that once you make the first payment, they only delete a few "files," then turn around and ask you to send more money in order to delete the remainder.

According to most victims I speak to: Philippine scammers typically ask for around $2,000 in total and usually try to hit you up at least 3 times. Some of them will even scold you, telling you never to get caught sharing private videos after the third payment - as if that's going to teach you a valuable lesson.

The reality is that the files are never deleted and the videos have already been distributed among multiple scammers in the group. As I've already previously mentioned, if you've already sent a substantial amount, it's not uncommon to receive threats months later.

Still hoping they'll delete the files? Don't count on it. If you've already paid - stop now. Don't send another dollar. And if you're being threatened again after weeks or months of silence, you're not alone - this is how they operate. Contact me today for help before you make another costly mistake. I can show you exactly how to shut this down and protect yourself from future attacks.

Your Video is Uploaded to Youtube 'in Private Mode'

Yet another tell-tale sign you're dealing with an African scammer is when they claim they've uploaded your video to Youtube in "private mode." Quite often these scammers will send you a screenshot that shows a progress indicator of your video being uploaded to Youtube.

Sometimes they'll show the video after it's been uploaded. They usually title it with your full name and/or phone number, stating that you like to 'play the fiddle'. To up the ante, they will threaten to share the link to the uploaded video to friends and family. As the scam escalates they may in fact share the video to people you know, then send you a screenshot of the conversation taking place. They say that if you pay, they will retract the link. Of course, as soon as you do that, they will turn around and ask for even more.

If this torment goes on long enough, quite often African scammers will upgrade you to a payment plan, whereby they ask for an outrageous amount ($15,000). The instructions are that if they send you a message at any point in the near future, you must respond. This is part of the psychological warfare they play to make you think you are trapped. Each time they message, they will ask for a little here, and a little there. As long as you keep paying, they promise not to share your video or pictures. In one case I worked on, the victim actually paid them over $10,000 over the course of a year and when he finished paying, they just kept on asking for more.

That's not all these scammers are capable of - they do much worse. Don't want this to happen to you? Need a way out? I have a plan that works and you'll never have to send another penny to the scammers. If you decide to hire me, I'll share with you all the intel I've gathered over the last 6 years that has helped over 1,000+ victims break free of sextortion. Don't wait another moment - contact me now and let's put an end to this madness.

Infiltration of Friends and Family

Once scammers connect with you on social media, quite often their next move is to infiltrate your friends and family.

This achieves three goals:

1. Once they make contact with people you know, they can follow through with their threats and expose you on the spot.
    
2. It expands their reach so that they can scam people you know as well. I can't tell you how many times a victim told me that they received a random text message from someone on Facebook that was already friends with someone that they knew. There's proof right there that this is how they operate.
    
3. Once they target your friends list, they will also try to send phishing links in order to trick a friend and take over their Facebook or Instagram account (along with all of their contacts). They do this for two reasons: one is that they will use it to go after more victims in case one of their other scammer accounts gets shut down; the other reason is that they will take advantage of all the contacts associated with the account by renaming the account as a beautiful woman and then going after the contacts. Some may even use the account for Facebook Dating, in which case it may turn into a crypto-sextortion scheme.

Related:

• FB Dating Turns to Crypto-Sextortion - Here's What to Do
• Someone Threatening to Post Video, Pics - Here's What to Do
• Being Harassed on Instagram - Here's How to Stop It - Fast

Avoid these Critical Mistakes

Don't Answer the Phone when They Call

When scammers call, it's rarely because they want to have a real conversation - although some will try depending on the scam (evident in Adam's case). If you answer the call, you won't be able to think fast enough to talk your way out. These calls are designed to catch you off guard, panic you, and pressure you into making decisions you'll regret.

Even worse is a video call request. Never accept it. Like voice calls, video calls are meant to trap you in real time, where you can't pause, plan, or get help. Scammers know that catching you live gives them the upper hand.

In most cases, they're calling not to talk - but to test if you're available and reactive. Simply picking up the phone tells them everything they need to know: you're anxious, you're watching, and you're still emotionally engaged. It's like saying, "I'm here, go ahead and hit me with more threats."

The best response? None. Let it ring. Silence sends a stronger message than words ever could. But be careful here - ignoring a scammer for too long can backfire. You'll need a plan, complete with contingencies. I can help. I've worked on over 1,000+ cases and can help you, too. Contact me here.

Related:

• How Long Does Sextortion Last
• Do Blackmailers Follow Through (And What to Expect)

Don't Shut Down Your Social Media

Do not shut down your social media accounts, and don't delete your contacts.

It might feel like the safest option - to disappear, lock everything down, and remove anyone the scammer could target. But doing so sends a clear message: you're panicking. And that panic is exactly what scammers feed on. (Besides, the scammer has likely already made a copy of your contact list in case you try to run away - this method won't work).

The truth is that when you shut down your accounts or start deleting friends, it tells the scammer they're getting to you. That can trigger them to escalate because they think you're about to run away. Instead, the opposite may occur: the scammers may try to reach out to your contacts immediately because they think they are running out of time to extract money from you.

That said: if your account is deactivated, you lose the ability to monitor what the scammer is doing. You won't know if they're impersonating you, messaging your friends, or posting threats. Without access, you can't respond strategically - you're blind.

Keeping your accounts active but private is the smarter move. You maintain visibility, reduce their reach, and preserve control over your digital environment. You can also quietly limit who sees your content or friends list - without tipping them off that you're making moves behind the scenes.

Want more great tips like this? Let's talk about your case 1-on-1. Contact me here for a free 15-minute phone call consultation - I'm happy to answer your questions. When you contact me, you will also receive two free reports that contain invaluable information: Five Strategies to Stall Blackmail Scammers and Not Pay Anything and Sextortion Survival Guide - Five Critical Mistakes to Avoid and What to Do Instead. These invaluable guides contain proven strategies to help you take control of the situation before it escalates.

Don't Block the Scammer - Yet

You've probably seen advice online telling you to block the scammer immediately and walk away. In some cases, that works - especially if you truly have nothing to lose, no active social media, and zero concern about potential exposure.

But for most people, that's not the case.

Blocking too early can also backfire. As I just mentioned in the previous section: once you cut them off, you lose all visibility. You're in the dark, and that creates more anxiety - not less.

By keeping the line of communication open - even just briefly - you can monitor the scammer's behavior and gauge how serious the threat really is. Are they bluffing? Are they escalating? Are they actually reaching out to your contacts, or just trying to scare you into sending more money? Staying cautiously connected gives you a tactical edge.

That doesn't mean you should respond freely. It means every message should be intentional, measured, and part of a larger strategy. There are smarter ways to defuse the situation and regain control - and I can show you how, based on hundreds of real-world cases I've personally handled.

Not sure what to say next? Contact me now, and I'll tell you exactly how to respond to the scammers - safely, calmly, and with leverage on your side.

Don't Tell Contacts Your Account Got Hacked

Many victims panic and try to get ahead of the situation by messaging everyone on their contact list, warning them that their account was hacked and to ignore any strange messages from a certain person. It feels like the right move - a way to protect your reputation and stop the scammer in their tracks.

But in reality, this tactic often backfires.

Scammers expect you to do this, and they've already planned for it. They know how to circumvent your warning and twist it to their advantage. The better strategy is to stay quiet, stay calm, and observe. If the scammer actually contacts someone close to you, you can decide on a case-by-case basis how to respond - with my help. Preemptive warnings rarely protect you; more often, they set you up for embarrassment or unintended consequences.

Don't Fall for Blackmail Recovery Scams

If you start searching for help online, you'll likely find companies offering to take over communication with the scammer for you, claiming they can "track down and identify the scammer," and/or "scare them away" and/or "force the scammer to delete all your files." These promises cannot be proven. One company in particular charges $20,000 for same day service - but their contract also claims no guarantees. Be especially cautious if you come across a company that asks for partial payment by credit card and the rest by wire transfer because wire payments can't be reversed. Be sure you read the contract carefully before you sign. Pay attention to the refund policy. If their promises sound too good to be true, they probably are.

Don't Bother Filling Out Reports

It's tempting to report the scammer to Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube - but don't expect timely results (if any), and certainly don't expect any of it to prevent your exposure.

Most platforms don't have trained teams monitoring these threats. Instead, they rely on automated reports and community feedback. By the time anything happens, the scammer's account has already been deactivated or hidden.

Worse yet, scammers often use dozens of accounts in rotation ready to go if one gets shut down. It's far better to focus your time on preparing for the next phase of the scam rather than wasting time filling out reports. At the end of the day, reporting the scammer won't stop them from trying to expose you and certainly won't shut down the scam. At best, it may get one of their accounts banned, but that in itself is like trying to cut off one of the heads of a hydra dragon - it will just grow back with another fake account.

Related:

• Being Harassed Online - Here's How to Make It Stop
• Sextorted After Trip to Thailand - What to Do
• Spanish Sexting Scam Turns into WhatsApp Blackmail

Don't Expect the Authorities to Save You

In most cases, the Police, FBI and Lawyer aren't going to help your situation.

Here's why -

In almost all cases I've handled, the scammers are almost always located in Africa, the Philippines, Morocco, or India because that's where victims send the money. That means your local police can't help because the scammers are not only overseas - but they are also anonymous.

Hiring a lawyer may seem like a good idea, but unless you know exactly who the scammer is (and they live in your jurisdiction), then the threat of legal action to a scammer in another country is a complete waste of time and money. Scammers don't care about laws in your country because it won't affect them (and because they are anonymous). Many scammers will laugh off a cease-and-desist letter - or worse yet, they may retaliate because you threatened them.

As for the FBI, you can report your case to ic3.gov, but no one will call you back and console you on the phone. The only thing the ic3.gov website is good for is collecting report information, then producing annual reports like this one to show where most of the crime online is occurring, by age, etc.

What to Do Instead

Stop Paying Immediately

First and foremost: stop paying because the more you pay, the worse it gets. That's easier said than done, because scammers thrive on fear and panic.

Each time you pay, the scammer ups the ante and asks for more than you previously paid (almost always) with promises to make it go away if you 'just make one more payment.' But it doesn't end there - it never does - it only gets worse. This is how this scam goes 100% of the time.

Step Back and Think

Before you do anything else - take a breath, step back and reassess the situation. This scam thrives on panic, and every message they send is designed to overwhelm you into making fast, emotional decisions.

Sometimes blocking the scammer is the only option. Sometimes paying for professional support is the best way forward, but it costs money for the service - just be careful who you ask for help (review the section Don't Fall for Blackmail Recovery Scams if you haven't already). For some, it's worth paying a one-time fee to get the right advice, rather than risk it.

Not sure what to do? I can help. I've guided over 1,000+ victims through sextortion since 2019 and know exactly how these scams play out. I've seen the worst-case scenarios, I know what triggers escalation, and I understand all the manipulative tactics scammers use to keep victims trapped. I take all of this information - along with my plan - and pass it on to you to get you the best results possible. Contact me here.

Assess the Risk

Before taking drastic steps - like blocking the scammer too early - you need to assess the risks involved in your particular case.

Remember that sextortion scammers almost always work in groups, and it's organized crime. Some scammers are lazy opportunists who rely on fear alone and won't follow through with their threats, while other criminal gangs have a very different and much harsher approach: pay or get exposed.

On average, there's a 50/50 chance that the threat is real. Whether or not they expose you depends on if you've already paid, what they have on you, and what you have to lose.

If you haven't paid anything yet, you don't use social media, and you're not engaging emotionally, there's a good chance the scammer may move on if you block them outright - but doing so depends on your risk assessment because there's always a chance it may go the other way. If you've already paid - at least once, and especially more than once - you're already in deep, which increases your risk of being pushed harder or exposed.

Not sure what to do? Need help assessing the risks? I'll ask the right questions to determine what kind of scammer you're dealing with and what their patterns suggest. From there, we'll choose the safest and most effective path forward - one that protects you without provoking them. Contact me here to find out more.

Related:

• Do Blackmailers Follow Through? (And What to Expect)
• How Long Does Sextortion Last?

Use Strategic Delays

Strategic delays help to buy you time so that you can think clearly, form a plan, and put it into action.

One of the most effective tools I use with clients is to fake a payment to the scammers. This tactic buys you time, calms the scammer down temporarily, and keeps them from escalating - all without sending another dollar. When used repeatedly, it demonstrates to the scammer that you aren't worth their time because they can't get your money. It's especially useful if you've already paid once and they're pushing for more, or if you haven't paid yet but feel like the pressure is closing in.

But, be careful here -

If you decide to fake a payment on your own (without my guidance), scammers will undoubtedly ask for screenshots as proof. My fake payment method works in 99% of all cases, and allows you to generate screenshots on the fly - and no, it's not done with AI. Artificial Intelligence can never manipulate a real screenshot and hand it back perfectly to make it look like a modified version of the original - I know, I've tried. AI images are inferior and often skewed and scammers can easily tell it's been manipulated. Just remember: if a payment fails, they will ask you to send money another way. Faking a screenshot isn't easy - but my method works instantly.

If you're unsure what to say or how to say it, I can help. Don't try to improvise. One wrong message can re-trigger threats. But with the right words and the right timing, you'll shift the power dynamic back in your favor - and that's where your recovery begins. Contact me now - let's talk about it. I've already helped over 1,000+ victims of sextortion and I can help you, too.

Lock Down Your Accounts

Strategic delay also buys you critical time to take steps on your end: lock down your accounts and prepare your next move. If you respond too quickly or too often, you give the scammer more opportunities to apply pressure, manipulate you, or escalate threats. Control the pace of communication - don't let them dictate the tempo. Just remember: don't delete your account and don't delete your contacts. This never works and may result in them escalating their threats.

Maintain Communication Sparingly

Once you've introduced strategic delays, now it's time to maintain communication sparingly to match those delays. This helps to loosen the grip the scammers have on you, plus helps you monitor the scammer's behavior and gives you room to apply psychological pressure back on them.

You don't need to respond quickly or often. In fact, delayed replies work in your favor because scammers will keep you trapped in the conversation for hours on end in order to force you to pay. Just be careful here because lack of response may also escalate the situation especially if they're expecting payment.

Want more great tips like this? Let's talk about your case 1-on-1. Contact me here for a free 15-minute phone call consultation - I'm happy to answer your questions. When you contact me, you will also receive two invaluable reports: Five Strategies to Stall Blackmail Scammers and Not Pay Anything and Sextortion Survival Guide - Five Critical Mistakes to Avoid and What to Do Instead. These invaluable guides contain proven strategies to help you take control of the situation before it escalates.

Get Expert Help - Now

Once you've bought yourself time with a strategic delay, locked down your accounts, and scaled back communication, the next step is figuring out what to do long term - and that's where I come in.

I've helped over 1,000+ victims of sextortion since 2019, and I know what works, what doesn't, and what triggers scammers into escalating. Most people reach out to me when they've already paid, already panicked, and already made a few critical mistakes. That's okay - there's almost always a way to recover, but you need a plan based on experience, not guesswork.

During a free consultation, I'll walk you through exactly what to expect next. I'll explain what the scammer is likely to do, how to keep them from contacting your friends or family, and how to position yourself so you look like too much effort to keep chasing. I'll help you understand your specific risk level, based on what you've sent, what they've threatened, and what stage of the scam you're in.

You'll also get access to strategies I've tested in real-world cases - like believable delay excuses, safe exit messages, and exposure-prevention tactics that scammers don't see coming. Most importantly, I'll tell you how to do all of this so you don't get exposed, or minimal exposure at worst.

This isn't one-size-fits-all advice. Your case is unique, and so is the solution. I'll help you build a customized plan, and I'll walk you through it step by step - privately, discreetly, and without judgment. Remember: you don't have to face this alone. Let me help you shut it down the right way. Contact me now to learn more. I'm happy to answer your questions. All clients are treated with dignity and respect.

About the author: Dennis Faas is the CEO and owner of Infopackets.com. Since 2001, Dennis has dedicated his entire professional career helping others with technology-related issues with his unique style of writing in the form of questions-and-answers; click here to read all 2,000+ of Dennis' articles online this site. In 2014, Dennis shifted his focus to cyber crime mitigation, including technical support fraud and in 2019, online blackmail. Dennis has received many accolades during his tenure: click here to view Dennis' credentials online DennisFaas.com; click here to see Dennis' Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science (1999); click here to read an article written about Dennis by Alan Gardyne of Associate Programs (2003). And finally, click here to view a recommendation for Dennis' services from the University of Florida (dated 2006).