How to Report Blackmail on Instagram

Most Instagram users typically don’t expect to become a victim of a serious cybercrime while on the platform, but unfortunately, that is the reality for most social media users. Instagram users are falling victim to a crime known as sextortion and are being blackmailed for their intimate photos and or videos. If you are a victim of blackmail on Instagram read on to find out what blackmail entails and how to report blackmail on Instagram

What is Blackmail on Instagram?

Before we get into how to report blackmail on Instagram, it’s important to understand what blackmail is. Blackmail is when someone threatens to reveal embarrassing or damaging information about you unless you do what they say.

Online blackmail is a form of extortion and it’s a serious crime. If you’re being blackmailed, it’s important to get help right away.

To avoid becoming a victim it’s beneficial to know how these criminals successfully reel in their victims.

Here are a few examples of what you can expect from a sextortionist on Instagram.

· They disguise themselves behind fake Instagram accounts of attractive men and women.

· They will be very flirtatious and try to manipulate you into sending photos or taking a video call.

· If you refuse to send content or do a video call, they will repeatedly ask and insist that it’s just for fun.

· They will ask to add you on numerous social media platforms and move the conversation to various platforms.

· They will use the information you publicly provide on your profile to relate to you.

Should You Pay an Instagram Blackmailer?

Paying a blackmailer does not guarantee that they will leave you alone even if they try to convince you that paying will end the blackmail. In fact, it may only make them more persistent. Once they realize that you are willing to pay them, they will most likely continue to blackmail you for more money.

Not only that, but paying a blackmailer also encourages this type of behavior.

By giving in to their demands, you are telling them that this is an effective way to get what they want. There is also a possibility that your blackmailer will send your content to an accomplice to be saved and used for later. Some sextortionists work in teams or groups that are similar to companies. They have a database that consists of all of their victim’s personal information, which they refer back to when they want more money.

How To Report Blackmail on Instagram

If you are being blackmailed on Instagram, the first thing you should do is report it to the police.

In the United States, sextortion is a federal crime, especially when it comes to minors.

You can also report it directly to Instagram by following these steps:

1) Go to the profile of the person who is blackmailing you

2) Tap “…” in the top right corner of their profile

3) Tap report

4) Tap report account

5) Select “it’s posting content that shouldn’t be on Instagram”

6) Select all that apply

7) Follow the instructions that appear 8) Select report

Conclusions

Dealing with Sextortion Instagram can be a scary experience and even embarrassing to some. However, this doesn’t mean that you should deal with it on your own! Knowing how to report blackmail on Instagram is the right first step in dealing with blackmail. Don’t let your blackmailer win, reach out for help and take back your life. Contact Our Sextortion Helpline