Extortion is the threatening, coercive act of demanding payment, favorable government action from a public official, or another benefit from someone in return for not doing violent, physical harm or injury to the victim or his property, or revealing compromising or damaging information about the victim (whether it is true or false), or causing unfavorable government action against the victim or his interests. Extortion (sometimes referred to as the crime of coercion or blackmail) is a criminal offense in all states and under federal law.

Extortion can occur in person, by telephone, by U.S. mail, by e-mail, by text message, through social media, or by other means of communication.

The definition and penalties for the crime of extortion vary from state to state—in some states blackmail is part of the criminal offense of extortion, and in some states blackmail and extortion are separate criminal offenses.

The crime of extortion may be prosecuted as a felony in some states—with potential prison time—or as a misdemeanor eligible for probation. The crime of extortion is usually located in a state’s statutes. And extortion is also a crime under federal law. See 18 U.S.C. §872 to 18 U.S.C. §876.

In Iowa, extortion is defined under Iowa Code § 711.4 as the act of obtaining property, money, or a pecuniary benefit from another by threatening to inflict injury to any person or to commit any public offense, or by threatening to accuse another of a public offense. Extortion is considered a felony in Iowa and can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment. The specific charges and penalties can vary depending on the circumstances of the case, such as the amount of money or value of property involved, and whether the victim is a public official. Extortion can be committed through various means of communication, including in person, by phone, mail, or electronic communication. Under federal law, extortion is also a criminal offense, as outlined in 18 U.S.C. §872 to 18 U.S.C. §876, which prohibits acts such as demanding or receiving money or other items of value through the use of threats or force. Penalties under federal law can include fines and imprisonment, and the severity of the punishment can depend on factors such as the nature of the threats and the interstate or federal aspects of the conduct.