New York State Private Investigator Practice Exam

What constitutes extortion?

1. Coercion of funds through legal methods

2. Obtaining property through wrongful use of force or fear

3. Fraudulent representation in financial matters

4. Threatening to reveal confidential information

The correct answer is: Obtaining property through wrongful use of force or fear

Extortion is defined as obtaining property or money through the wrongful use of force, fear, or intimidation. It typically involves coercing someone to give up their assets by instilling fear or threatening harm, whether physical, emotional, or reputational. The term emphasizes the involuntary nature of the acquisition—it is not simply a difficult negotiation, but rather the result of pressure that puts the victim in a position where they feel forced to comply in order to protect themselves or their interests. Coercion of funds through legal methods does not fit the definition, as those methods would not involve the fear or intimidation associated with extortion. Fraudulent representation involves deceit and misrepresentation, which, while illegal, is distinct from the physical or psychological coercion associated with extortion. Similarly, threatening to reveal confidential information may be extortionate if it involves coercion, but it does not universally define the act; the focus must be on the wrongful use of fear or force leading directly to obtaining property or funds.