Can Police Trace a Sextortionist?

Can Police Trace a Sextortionist?

In some cases, police and cybercrime investigators may be able to identify or trace a person involved in sextortion. However, there is no guarantee that every anonymous account or online blackmailer can be identified. The ability to trace an offender depends on the available digital evidence, account information, service providers, devices, payment trails and other investigative factors.

What information can help an investigation?

• Phone numbers and email addresses used by the offender.
• Social-media usernames, profile URLs and account IDs.
• IP or other technical information available to authorised investigators.
• Payment records, UPI IDs or bank-account information.
• Emails, messages and platform records.
• Links to websites or accounts used to threaten or publish material.

Why should you preserve the account details?

Even when an offender uses a fake name or profile, the account may leave digital identifiers. The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal also provides facilities for reporting suspect identifiers and checking certain identifiers in its suspect repository. citeturn0search9

Can a lawyer trace the person directly?

A private lawyer generally does not have the same investigative powers as law-enforcement authorities. A lawyer can help preserve evidence, prepare a complaint and advise on the appropriate legal process, while tracing and obtaining protected records may require lawful investigative steps by competent authorities.

Do not try to hack the offender

Do not attempt to break into the alleged offender’s account, install spyware, obtain passwords unlawfully or retaliate. Such actions can create additional legal and security problems.

Legal assistance

SPG Legal Consultancy can assist with evidence assessment and cybercrime complaint strategy in sextortion matters. Investigation and identification of an alleged offender remain matters for the competent authorities.