Report WhatsApp Blackmail and Take Back Control of Your Life Today

Online blackmail is when a bad actor coerces someone to perform an action by threatening to publicly expose their private information. These criminals often exploit WhatsApp as a secure instant messaging app to communicate with and blackmail their victims more freely. Their scheme typically begins on other platforms like social media networks or dating apps.

After initiating contact and building rapport on those platforms, the perpetrators will direct the conversation onto messaging services like WhatsApp to continue their extortion in a private environment.

Blackmailers will create fake profiles on online platforms to pose as trusted individuals and organizations. Their goal is to deceive users into revealing sensitive information or unwittingly giving them access to their own accounts or devices. In phishing scams, perpetrators attempt to trick victims into clicking on links laced with malware or visiting fraudulent websites designed to steal login credentials.

The cybercriminals may also catfish the potential victim, using the likeness of an attractive individual. They lure victims into an online relationship where private data — like images, videos, or financial information — is exchanged. Once the perpetrator gains access to the victim’s private data, the blackmail starts.

Being blackmailed can be deeply emotionally distressing. However, it’s important to think carefully about how you respond to the threat. Responding impulsively can escalate the situation and increase the chances of exposure. To protect yourself, you should try to remain calm and follow best practices to prioritize your protection and safety. Here are the recommended steps to take when facing WhatsApp blackmail.

1. Do not pay. You may think their demanded price is worth your privacy, but paying will do nothing to prevent them from following through. They will still hold the leverage, and paying will only incentivize them to ask for more. Instead, use delay tactics while you get the help you need.
2. Use heightened security settings. Increase your privacy controls to limit who can view your account. You should also enable two-factor authentication (2FA) or passkey login, both of which are supported by WhatsApp. It’s worth noting that you should avoid blocking the perpetrator, as this can delete critical evidence and spur retaliation.
3. Save evidence. Victims of blackmail need to preserve the evidence, as it can be used to support legal action. Your evidence can even launch official investigations that lead to criminal charges. Make sure to take screenshots of threatening messages, the profiles involved, and anything else that is relevant to the crime.
4. Notify law enforcement. You should always report instances of blackmail to your local authorities. They can help you file an official report and guide you to the best steps to take for your situation. In many cases, the report may initiate an investigation in which the police will use specialized tools to uncover the identity of the criminal.
5. Report it to the FBI. You should also report the crime to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The FBI’s IC3 is the national reporting center for cybercrimes, and agents often use the database to discover cases to take on. You can report your case to the FBI through the field office nearest to you or the IC3 website.
6. Address your mental health. This is just as important as any other step. Being blackmailed online is emotionally devastating, and you shouldn’t try to handle this turmoil alone. Speak with a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional about what you’ve experienced. These discussions can help you navigate complex emotions, spread awareness, and remove the unjust stigma placed on victims.

WhatsApp provides a self-reporting feature for users to notify the instant messaging service of any inappropriate behavior. Victims of WhatsApp blackmail should always report messages threatening blackmail to the platform, as it could result in the perpetrator’s account getting removed. Reporting a profile on WhatsApp shares the last five messages the user sent to you with the platform administrators.

The messaging app also provides the option to “Report & Block” other users. However, it’s important to take caution when blocking a blackmailer. They can often discover that they’ve been blocked and may expose your private information in retaliation. Blocking the blackmailer may also permanently delete evidence of the crime. Take note of the following steps if you want to report a user on WhatsAp.

To report a contact on WhatsApp:

• Open the chat with the user you want to report.
• Open their contact information.
• Select “Report” at the bottom of the menu options.

To report a view once photo or video:

• Open the view once photo or video.
• Tap “More (…)” in the bottom corner.
• Select the “Report Contact” option.

At Cyber Investigation Inc., we understand how overwhelming and frightening it can be to experience blackmail. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to stand with and fight for victims. Our team has years of expertise and state-of-the-art technology that allow us to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. With more than 220 ratings and an average score of 4.9 out of 5, we’ve earned the trust of those we’ve helped by truly prioritizing their privacy, safety, and peace of mind.

Online blackmail is hard for anyone to deal with, especially if they are alone in the situation. Blackmailers make their victims think they are powerless and have no way out or no one to go to for help. This is not true. There are numerous resources available to victims, so they don’t have to deal with this alone. Sextortion can cause serious emotional trauma, and most victims don’t know how to deal with the stress. Here are some outlets you can reach out to for support.

• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (if you are a minor)
  https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/support
• Cyber Civil Rights Initiative
  844-878-CCRI (2274)
  https://cybercivilrights.org/
• Victims For Justice
  https://victimsforjustice.org/support-services/
  907-278-0977