How “Sextortion” victims can defend themselves

Around two thirds of the population in Austria now use social media every day. In addition to Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, young people particularly prefer the TikTock and Snapchat platforms.

18-year-old blackmailed with photomontage

Felix Muhr from Neustift an der Lafnitz (Oberwart district) met his blackmailer on Snapchat. He found his profile picture next to a photo of a male genitalia. The 18-year-old student did not make this photomontage himself. A stranger wanted to force him to pay money. The young man is active as a party musician on all social media platforms and originally thought that he was dealing with a fan.

He started chatting with his fans on Snapchat and exchanging pictures, which were of course harmless pictures, said Felix Muhr. When he was then blackmailed, he decided against paying. Initially, his blackmailer wanted 300 euros from him. Muhr photographed the chat history before it could be deleted and reported it to the police.

Kripo chief: Definitely report it

Backing up data and all chat histories is important, confirmed Burgenland’s Kripo chief Gerhard Braunschmidt. The blackmail attempt should also be reported to the operators of the relevant platforms. “But then go to the police and file a complaint,” says Braunschmidt.

The internet ombudsman and “Rat auf Draht” can also help

Those affected also receive legal advice by filing a complaint with the Internet Ombudsman. The telephone counseling service “Rat auf Draht” is available around the clock. Of course, there is often a great reluctance to get help, said Brigitta Satke, director of “Rat auf Wire”: “And the feeling of shame is also very, very great.” But paying would certainly be the worst possible way, because these threats would often not stop there – quite the opposite.

The police generally advise to be suspicious of messages from unknown phone numbers or people. The “policeman’s trick” is currently very common, Braunschmidt warned. Alleged police officers contact their victims and want to pick up valuables, for example, to protect them from alleged burglars. In principle, the police do not pick up any objects to secure them, stressed Braunschmidt. In such and similar cases, one should always be suspicious and reassure oneself with the police or relatives.