Last Updated on July 7, 2023

Sextortion is a form of  online blackmail where someone threatens to release compromising images or videos of you.  Unless you provide them with money. While it may seem like something that only happens in movies, sextortion on Instagram is actually a very real and growing problem. In This article we’ll tell you How To Handle Instagram Sextortion.

If you find yourself being threatened with sextortion, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself and get help. Keep reading for more information on what sextortion is, how to respond if you’re targeted, and where to find support.

How Does Sextortion Work?

The goal of online sextortion is to extort money from victims by threatening them with publishing compromising photographs or videos. The threat can come in many forms, including exposure on the internet if you don’t pay up quickly enough–which could lead to your job being contacted, family and friends, and even community groups you are a part of. These relationships could all be torn apart from a sextortionist if their needs are not met.

It’s important for people to know how these criminals work, whether you’re a victim or not. A sextortionist can be a single individual, or a group of cyber-criminals that band together basically as a company to reel in thousands, if not millions of dollars. Let’s break down their strategies.

• Social Media Accounts.

The game plan is to create dozens of fake social media accounts on popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and disguise themselves as attractive people of all ages. This is a ploy to draw in the eyes of potential victims.

• Adding Accounts.

Suspects will then go on an adding spree and add as many random accounts they can find, and message people to see if they could spark up a conversation. This is their way of tossing out their bait and seeing who bites.

• Conversation.

Once a suspect gets a reply from a potential victim, it’s go time. The conversation could go either two ways

The suspect will ask standard questions about their victim.  After they get their victim comfortable, the conversation turns down a more flirtatious route. The suspect will claim they find their victim attractive and want to have ‘fun’ that is when the idea of exchanging explicit content gets brought up.

Suspects can have a more forward approach and claim their attraction to their potential victim right away and ask to explore that through images or videos

This is more common through dating/hookup apps and websites.

How Can You Protect Yourself – How To Handle Instagram Sextortion?

Once a victim has sent their private content to the suspect is when things will take a fast downward spiral. You can expect an aggressive number of messages filled with threats of exposure if you don’t pay a ridiculous amount of money. What can you do to protect yourself from exposure? Here are a few tips:

• Keep strong privacy settings on all of your social media accounts or other online accounts
• Do not block the suspect, this can make things far worse
• Do not pay the blackmailer, instead make an excuse that you need time to get the money
• Report the crime to your local police and FBI
• Seek out blackmail specialists that can help you and take over your case asap

How to report sextortion on Instagram

In addition to seeking out the help of blackmail specialists, you can safeguard your Instagram account by doing certain things. While you shouldn’t block the suspect, you can report their account and notify Instagram that they have been harassing you.

Under Instagram’s privacy and security tab you are able to change all of your privacy settings to private and adjust who is able to see your content, or post on your accounts.

Disable the following features:

• Activity status
• Story sharing
• Embeds
• Mentions – switch to ‘no one’
• Tags – switch to ‘no one’

You can report the suspects account through the three dots ‘…’ next to their name. Instagram will give you a list of reasons as to why you are reporting the account, clicking either of the following will work:

• Nudity or sexual activity
• Nudity or pornography
• Sexual exploitation or solicitation
• Involves a child (if the victim happens to be a minor)
• Bullying or harassment
• Scam or fraud

Report Blackmail On Instagram

Sextortion Instagram  is a serious crime that can have long-lasting effects on victims. If you faced with sextortion – reach out for help. Lock down your social media accounts and do not share any personal information with anyone online.

Cybersecurity experts are available to help protect you from Instagram extortion  and other cyber threats. Contact Our Sextortion Helpline 24/7. Don’t wait until it’s too late, it’s time to protect yourself today. You may also like to read:
Can Sextortion Ruin Your Life?
Do Sextortionists Give Up?