Extortion is the act of obtaining benefit through coercion, which is likely to constitute a criminal offense in most jurisdictions. It involves the wrongful use of actual or threatened force, violence, or intimidation to gain money or property from an individual or entity. Extortion generally involves a threat being made to the victims person or property, or to their family or friends. While the threat of violence or property damage is commonplace in extortion, it can also involve reputational harm or unfavorable government action. Extortion is different from robbery, which involves taking property from the victim by the immediate use of force or fear that force will be immediately used. In contrast, extortion involves the verbal or written instillation of fear that something will happen to the victim if they do not comply with the extortionists will. Blackmail is a form of extortion where the extortionist threatens to reveal information about a victim or their family members that is potentially embarrassing, socially damaging, or incriminating unless a demand for money, property, or services is met. Extortion can be committed by individuals or organized crime syndicates.