How Often Do Blackmailers Follow Through?
Blackmail is a serious crime that can cause significant emotional and financial harm to its victims. It is a form of extortion where an individual uses threats or intimidation to extort money or other favors from another person. But how often do blackmailers follow through on their threats? In this article, we will explore the answers to this question and delve into the psychological tactics that blackmailers use to exploit their victims.
Understanding Blackmail
Before we dive into the frequency of blackmailers following through on their threats, it is essential to understand what blackmail is and how it works. Blackmail is a form of emotional manipulation, where the blackmailer uses secrets, rumors, or lies to threaten the victim. This can be done through various means, including email, text message, phone call, or even in-person confrontations.
Why Do Blackmailers Threaten to Follow Through?
Blackmailers often threaten to follow through on their threats to instill fear and anxiety in their victims. By doing so, they hope to manipulate the victim into giving them what they want, whether it’s money, property, or some other benefit. Threats can be physical, such as harm or violence, or non-physical, such as exposure or ruin.
How Often Do Blackmailers Follow Through?
So, how often do blackmailers follow through on their threats? Studies suggest that only a small percentage of blackmailers actually follow through on their threats. According to the FBI, less than 20% of reported blackmail cases result in actual harm to the victim.
- Table: Blackmail Follow-Through Rate
| Study | Follow-Through Rate |
|---|---|
| FBI (2018) | <20% |
| National Center for Victims of Crime (2019) | 10-15% |
| Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking (2018) | 5-10% |
What Factors Influence a Blackmailer’s Decision to Follow Through?
Several factors can influence a blackmailer’s decision to follow through on their threats, including:
- Psychological motive: Blackmailers who are motivated by a desire for power, control, or revenge are more likely to follow through on their threats.
- Fear factor: Blackmailers who are able to instill fear in their victims are more likely to follow through on their threats.
- Lack of anonymity: Blackmailers who are not able to remain anonymous may be less likely to follow through on their threats, as they may be concerned about being caught or identified.
- Consequences: Blackmailers who believe that following through on their threats would result in serious consequences for themselves may be less likely to do so.
Psychological Tactics Used by Blackmailers
Blackmailers often use a range of psychological tactics to manipulate their victims and convince them to comply with their demands. Some common tactics include:
- Gaslighting: Blackmailers may deny previous agreements or conversations, or make the victim doubt their own memories or perceptions.
- Emotional manipulation: Blackmailers may use emotional appeals to create a sense of empathy or guilt in the victim.
- Intimidation: Blackmailers may use threats or violence to intimidate the victim into complying with their demands.
- Bait and switch: Blackmailers may make false promises or make the victim believe that a deal has been reached, only to renege on their promises.
Protecting Yourself from Blackmail
If you are the victim of a blackmailer, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Report the incident to the authorities: Blackmail is a serious crime that can cause significant harm to individuals and communities.
- Seek support: Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional about your experience.
- Do not respond: Refrain from responding to the blackmailer’s messages or demands.
- Document everything: Keep records of all communications with the blackmailer, including dates, times, and details of the threats or demands.
Conclusion
In conclusion, blackmail is a serious crime that can have significant emotional and financial consequences for its victims. While only a small percentage of blackmailers actually follow through on their threats, the psychological tactics used by blackmailers can still cause significant harm. By understanding the tactics used by blackmailers and taking steps to protect ourselves, we can reduce the risk of falling victim to this crime.
