"Help, I'm Being Blackmailed With a Deepfake": A Step-by-Step Recovery Guide
As reported by Wired, the rise of "nudify" AI tools has created a new, terrifying frontier for cyber-extortion. Unlike traditional blackmail, these attacks use synthetic media—AI-generated photos or videos—to create non-consensual explicit imagery from your public social media profiles.
If you find yourself targeted, the panic can be overwhelming. However, the worst thing you can do is act on impulse. At Conflict International, we have developed this recovery guide to help you navigate the crisis and reclaim your digital security through our specialised Blackmail and Extortion Support.
Step 1: Do Not Pay and Do Not Delete
The first instinct is often to pay the ransom or delete the evidence. Do neither.
- Why not pay? Paying an extortionist confirms you are a high-value target. They rarely delete the content; they simply wait and demand more money later.
- Why not delete? You need the metadata and communication logs for forensic tracking. Take screenshots of everything: the demands, the phone number or profile, and the "sample" media they sent.
Step 2: Disconnect, but Stay Vigilant
Immediately lock down your digital presence.
- Privacy Settings: Set all social media accounts to private.
- Silence the Attacker: Mute the conversation but do not block it yet—sometimes the "silence" allows investigators to gather more data on the perpetrator's location and patterns.
- Secure Your Accounts: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on all sensitive accounts to prevent the blackmailer from escalating to a full account takeover.
Step 3: Secure Forensic Verification
A deepfake's power lies in the fear that people will believe it is real. We provide the technical shield you need:
- Forensic Analysis: Our teams analyse the media for AI artefacts (lighting glitches, skin texture anomalies, or mismatched metadata).
- Certificate of Inauthenticity: We provide a formal report proving the media is synthetic. This is a vital tool for showing your family, board of directors, or legal counsel that the imagery is a total fabrication.
Step 4: Execute a Professional Takedown
If the blackmailer has already posted the media online, it must be removed instantly.
- Platform Reporting: We utilise specialised channels with major platforms to report non-consensual deepfake media.
- De-indexing: We work with search engines to ensure that even if the link exists, it does not appear in search results for your name.
Step 5: Engage Professional Intervenors
Handling an extortionist alone is high-risk. Conflict International acts as a professional barrier:
- Controlled Communication: We can advise on—or manage—communications with the attacker to stall their actions while we work on unmasking their identity.
- Asset Tracing: If you have already paid, we use our asset tracing capabilities to follow the cryptocurrency or bank transfers to identify the point of liquidation.
You Are Not Alone
AI-driven blackmail is designed to isolate you through shame and fear. But by following a professional recovery path, you turn the tables on the extortionist. The "nudify" app might be sophisticated, but it is no match for a global network of forensic investigators and security experts.
Conflict International is committed to protecting your reputation and your peace of mind. If you are in the middle of a crisis, every second counts.
Are you currently facing a blackmail or extortion demand? Explore our Blackmail Support Services or contact Conflict International today for an immediate, 100% confidential consultation.