WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EXTORTION AND BLACKMAIL?
The terms “extortion” and “blackmail” are terms routinely used interchangeably, that is, obtaining property through the use of either oral or written threats. The threats can be of physical harm, or harm to one’s reputation, livelihood, marriage, etc. In some states extortion has only occurred when money or property has actually changed hands as a result of the threat. In other states, just the threat is enough to constitute extortion.
