Delete the photos or videos is not the solution, since extortionists could have copies. The important thing is to act calmly and not pay the ransom or give in to the threat. Paying or complying with their requirements does not guarantee that the material will be destroyed or that the demands will cease. It is more likely that the demands will increase or that the extortionist will continue threatening to obtain more.
- Stabilize your emotions
The victim is not at fault, so emotional containment should be given space first. Seek emotional support through psychologists with a gender perspective.
- Gather evidence, Save evidence
Save screenshots of conversations, emails, and any other communication with the extortionist. Also, save the files they sent you. Keep all messages, emails, and any other form of communication with the extortionist. This evidence is crucial for a police investigation. Make sure to take screenshots, save URLs, and note the dates and times of the incidents. Do not delete conversations, applications, photos, or videos, as they could be crucial evidence for the investigation.
- Report the crime
If you decide to go to the legal route, contact the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) of Costa Rica through their website https://sitiooij.poder-judicial.go.cr/ or by calling 800-800-0645. In case of filing a complaint, you can also seek support from the Victim Care and Protection Office (OAPVD) of the Public Ministry through the number: 2295-3000. A complaint can be useful to request protection measures, for a deeper investigation to be carried out, and to request authorities to repair the damage caused.
- Seek professional help
It is important to have the support of legal advice, they can guide you on the specific legal steps to follow in Costa Rica, help you understand your rights, and work together with the authorities to protect your privacy.
- Do not isolate yourself
Talk to your family and trusted friends about what is happening. Their support will be crucial to overcome this situation.
- Use tools
Some social media platforms and search engines offer tools to report and request the removal of intimate content shared without consent. It is important to use these tools to minimize the distribution of the material. Review your privacy settings on social media, remove all people you do not know. Change the passwords for all your online accounts and activate two-factor authentication. You may also consider using a VPN service. VPN is a simple software designed to protect your privacy on the Internet.
It is important to emphasize that being a victim of sextortion is not the fault of the affected person. The blame lies entirely with the perpetrator.
Extortion through the use of intimate content, commonly known as “sextortion,” is a serious crime that affects numerous people in Costa Rica and around the world.
This form of cybercrime involves the threat of sharing intimate images or videos of the victim on the internet or with known persons unless the extortionist’s demands are met, which usually include payments of money. Carrying out this sexual extortion on the Internet is considered a crime as it implies various offenses, among which we could find: extortion, blackmail, threats, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse of minors, corruption of minors, damage to honor, interception of communications, violation of personal data, as well as production, possession, and/or distribution of child pornography.
Tips for Victims of Sextortion in Costa Rica, developed in collaboration by the YOD Foundation and the Latin American Agency of Technologies.
