Online extortion: how to document digital evidence before filing a report
If you're being extorted online, don't delete anything and don't pay. Here's how to preserve digital evidence properly, where to report in Egypt, and what weakens your case.
Online extortion is a crime under Egyptian law, including under the Anti-Cyber and Information Technology Crimes Law No. 175 of 2018. Your strongest asset at this moment is the evidence — and how you preserve it can shape the case.
First: don't pay, don't delete
Paying rarely ends extortion and often invites bigger demands. Deleting or blocking before documenting can lose the account link or the messages that prove the crime.
Second: what to document
- Full screenshots of the chat showing the account name, date and time
- The extortionist's profile URL, phone number or email exactly as shown
- Threats, money demands and the requested payment method
- Any images or files they sent — never re-share them
- A screen recording while scrolling through the chat, if possible
Third: store the evidence safely
Copy the evidence to more than one place (external storage or a secure email) and don't edit or crop it. Keep the original device — investigators may need to examine it.
Fourth: where to report in Egypt
You can go to the Internet crimes unit (مباحث الإنترنت) at your governorate's security directorate with your phone and the evidence to file an official report, or call the Interior Ministry's computer-crimes hotline, 108. Egyptian press guidance advises not delaying the report, and notes that insults or defamation via WhatsApp are handled by the communications investigations unit.
What weakens your case
- Deleting chats or the account before documenting
- Long negotiations or sending money
- Posting the evidence on social media
- Trying to hack the extortionist's account yourself, or hiring someone who claims they can — this can expose you to liability
The role of digital forensics
Some cases need more than screenshots: a structured extraction of evidence from the phone with verification hashes and a documented chain of custody, plus a technical report that explains what happened in plain language. This supports a report; it doesn't replace official investigators.
How WebShield helps
We document digital evidence from your own devices and accounts with your authorization, prepare a technical report and help you secure your accounts. Every case is handled in strict confidence.
Need digital evidence documented or an incident handled?
Describe your case to our AI service advisor for an instant suggestion and a summary of your requirements, or contact our team directly.