Social media platforms are the perfect place for cybercriminals to reach large pools of potential victims. With over three billion monthly users, Facebook stands atop the social media mountain — making it extremely alluring to bad actors. In just the last year, Meta removed over two million accounts linked to organized criminal activity across their platforms.
While this is a good step in the right direction, numerous criminal accounts remain on the platform. Additionally, there is nothing stopping removed accounts from opening new ones. As a result, it’s important for all users to know how to report and stop Facebook blackmail scams, especially if they are being blackmailed on Facebook.
Responding to Facebook Blackmail Scams – Immediate Steps
Facebook blackmailers leave their victims with limited time to choose their next step. They purposefully create a sense of urgency to encourage a hasty response. Your decisions in the immediate aftermath of a blackmail attempt heavily impact your ability to stop the attack and recover. Here’s what you should do:
- Don’t Pay the Blackmailer: Paying a Facebook blackmailer — even a small amount — does not guarantee they will stop. In fact, it often brings about the exact opposite response.
- Avoid Blocking the Account: You should cut off communication with the blackmailer as soon as possible. Employ delay tactics to buy yourself time if you must maintain contact. However, you should avoid blocking the Doing so can delete valuable evidence and spur retaliation from the blackmailer.
- Secure Your Facebook Account: Ensure your Facebook account’s security — regardless of what data the blackmailer is leveraging or whether their claims are true. Update your password, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), and terminate any unauthorized account sessions.
- Collect Evidence of the Crime: Take screenshots of any evidence left behind by the blackmailer. This includes their profile information, chat logs, shared attachments, and anything else that displays the perpetrator committing the crime.
Report Blackmail on Facebook
It’s important that victims of Facebook blackmail scams report the incident to the platform administrator. This can help Facebook take action against the account, including suspension and permanent removal. It also helps them track behaviors being carried out on the site that go against community guidelines. Not only does this help hold bad actors accountable, but it also helps Facebook stop blackmail. Your report helps make the platform a safer place for all users.
How to Report Blackmail on Facebook
Below is the five-step process Meta currently recommends for victims to report Facebook blackmail through their platform.
- Go to the profile of the person who is blackmailing you.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner of their profile.
- From the dropdown menu, click the “Report profile” option.
- Follow the prompts and respond to Facebook’s questions about the problem in as much detail as possible.
- After completing the necessary questions, submit your report and wait for Facebook mediators to respond.
What to Expect When Reporting a Blackmailer on Facebook
When you report an account for blackmail on Facebook, the platform will review the incident to determine if it violates community guidelines. They can suspend or remove the blackmailer’s Facebook account, stopping them from continuing to attack you or other users.
However, this doesn’t stop the blackmailer from opening new Facebook accounts. They may already have numerous accounts open If they are working within an organized crime network. As such, you need to be cautious of new profiles that try to interact with you on the platform.
Will Your Blackmailer Know You Reported Them?
No, reports on Facebook are completely confidential. Furthermore, you are likely not the only target being attacked. Facebook blackmail scammers often cast a large net hoping at least one recipient will bite. As a result, it will be hard for them to narrow down which target reported their account.
However, this confidentiality is not guaranteed if you block the perpetrator. While they won’t be notified directly, your account will no longer be viewable. Moreover, you run the risk of permanently deleting messages and profile information that may be needed as evidence. This is why it’s best to avoid blocking the perpetrator until after you’ve completed your investigation.
Report Facebook Blackmail to Law Enforcement
It’s important for victims of blackmail on Facebook to report it to law enforcement. These crimes go unreported far too often. Not only does reporting your case launch a formal investigation, but it also helps these agencies track trends in cybercrime.
You should start by filing a police report with your local precinct. You can do this by going into the station, visiting their website, or calling over the phone. If you choose to file your report online or over the phone, make sure to use a verified contact method.
Additionally, you should notify the FBI. They are the national agency responsible for handling cybercrime reports. You can file a report with the FBI by visiting your local field office, calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), or through the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Additional Resources That Help Victims Stop Facebook Blackmail
Beyond reporting Facebook blackmail scams, there are resources available that can help you manage the emotional toll of being blackmailed on Facebook. These organizations can help you cope with the trauma, connect you with individuals who have similar experiences, and help advise you on safe practices moving forward.
Some of the resources you can reach out to for help include:
- 988 Crisis Lifeline: This 24/7, confidential crisis center takes calls from individuals experiencing extreme emotional distress. With 200 local call centers, the Crisis Lifeline is able to provide close-to-home support under national guidance. You can call by dialing the three numbers in the name.
- Crisis Text Line: This service connects users with trained volunteer crisis counselors over a secure online messaging platform. You can text them in any instance of painful emotion that you need support dealing with. To reach the Crisis Text Line, text “HOME”, “START”, or “HELLO” to 741-741.
- Online Support Groups: There are online communities where victims of cybercrimes can discuss their experiences and share advice for recovery. One such group is r/cybersecurity_help, a subreddit dedicated to providing users with solutions to their dangerous digital situations.
- Cybersecurity Professionals: There are many cyber security companies that work to recover data and prevent exposure in cases of Facebook blackmail. These experts search for and identify the perpetrator by attacking their anonymity. These companies offer specific software and solutions to stop and prevent various forms of cyber blackmail. You can reach out to our Blackmail Helpline to learn more about how we can be of service to you.
Staying Safe — Stop Future Facebook Blackmail Attempts Through Prevention
The best way to stop blackmail on Facebook is by preventing it before it starts. After you’ve resolved your case, you should take action to avoid similar scams in the future. You can position yourself to evade blackmailers by implementing the following practices:
- Avoid oversharing on Facebook. Limit the information you make public and keep in mind the risks of Facebook blackmail when making a post.
- Heavily vet your followers. Be selective with the friend requests you accept. The number of fraudulent accounts on the platform requires users to take a zero-trust approach.
- Educate yourself on trends in cybersecurity. Stay informed of the latest tactics used by blackmailers and the recommended best practices in online safety.
To learn more about how you can stop Facebook blackmail scams before they start, read our article on preventing Facebook blackmail. You can reach our 24/7 hotline to report blackmail on Facebook anytime.
