Re the Letterman caseand related real life “I got dirt on you” blackmail scenarios does payment usually end it or (as in the Senator Ensign case) do blackmailers usually keep coming back to the well for more even after the initial agreed upon deal or payment?
Anyone know how these things usually pan out?
I don’t knowwhat “usually” happens. But in the 1790s James Reynolds continually blackmailed Alexander Hamilton over an affair with his wife for several years, extorting a total of about $1000. It only came to a stop when the blackmailer tried to up the ante by threatening to implicate Hamilton in a seperate scandal.
Hamilton fessed up, and apologised, but his political clout suffered as a result of damage to his reputation.
It that situation I’d personally do a sort of counter-blackmail; if the blackmailer wanted to make good on their threat they would have to admit to blackmailing me in the first place.
No real life experience, but common sense and human nature would lead me to believe that if it worked once, the blackmailer is going to keep doing it till it don’t work no more.
I guess once you paid the blackmail, if the blackmailer comes again you could turn him over to the cops and have him arrested. But then he’d be sure to tell your story. I guess to stop him you’d have to get something on him or “make the problem go away” if you know what I mean <wink><wink>
You could turn him over to the cops the first time he tried to blackmail you though. The first time, he’s risking that you’re more willing to part with some money than have your secret come out. Once you’ve already paid some hush money, he’s got evidence that you are willing to pay. I’d think it’s less likely he’d come back to the well multiple times, especially if he keeps the amount low enough that it’s not lifestyle-changingly painful for the victim.
Tradition holds that rarely does blackmail end with a single payment.
The best defense is never to do something worthy of being used against you.
The best counter offense is to do what Letterman did. Put it out there yourself and expose the blackmailer.
Whoops, obviously I meant MORE likely, not less.
Honestly, why *wouldn’t *he ask for more money? Give me one good reason.
Bill Cosby paid off and they came back so he went to the cops. That’s a good reason not to try it twice. Plus of course all the murder mysteries where the patsy wants it to stop.
Your link doesn’t say anything about her trying twice - it’s just about a conviction being reinstated.
Its probably impossible to know as its a secret agreement and not reported. So, for all we know it works out more often than it doesnt.