Last Updated on November 20, 2023
WhatsApp is an incredibly popular app for good reason—it’s free, easy to use, and widely available. Unfortunately, the app’s anonymity has also made it a breeding ground for scammers and blackmailers. While many people might think that they must ignore these scams or put up with the threats, there are ways to fight back and report these issues. This guide will walk you through the steps of reporting blackmail on WhatsApp, what to do, and how to stay safe.
What is Blackmail?
Blackmail is the practice of extorting money or sexual favors from someone by threatening to reveal evidence of their sexual activity. A common example on WhatsApp can look like an unknown number messaging you and striking up a conversation that quickly turns sexual. The main goal is to try and gain your trust and private information. Once that information is shared, the threats soon begin. Having a negative impact on your mental and physical health, blackmail on WhatsApp is a scary situation you do not want to find yourself in.
Can you get blackmailed through WhatsApp?
Yes. Most WhatsApp blackmail schemes start with a message from someone pretending to be interested in you. They might send you a friend request or initiate a chat, and once you start talking, they’ll gradually build up a rapport with you. They might even mention some personal details that you’ve shared in the conversation, making it seem like they genuinely care about you. Once they’ve gained your trust, they’ll send you sexually explicit or compromising images, either of themselves or someone else. They’ll then threaten to release these images unless you comply with their demands, which might include anything from money to sexual favors.
There are several types of WhatsApp blackmail, but one of the most common is “sextortion.” This is where criminals threaten to release sexually explicit images or videos unless the victim pays them money or performs sexual favors. Other types include “catfishing,” where the blackmailer pretends to be someone else to gain the victim’s trust, and “ransomware,” where the blackmailer infects the victim’s device with malware and demands payment to remove it.
So, yes, anyone has the potential to become a victim of WhatsApp blackmail.
Here are some tips to protect yourself on WhatsApp:
1. Be cautious about sharing personal information. There are scammers out there looking for their next victims, so it’s essential to be vigilant.
2. Avoid giving your number to just anyone.
3. Never share compromising images or information.
4. Use the stealth mode to prevent screenshots of your photos.
5. Keep your registration code or two-factor PIN private. Perpetrators may use them to steal accounts and commit more fraud.
6. Avoid clicking on attachments from unknown senders, as they may contain malware that can harm your device.
7. Immediately report any online blackmail incidents. You can file a report with local law enforcement or online with the FBI’s crime complaint center.
8. Consider involving a reputable third party like Cyber Investigation, which specializes in fighting cybercrimes.
By following these guidelines, you can enhance your safety while using WhatsApp.
How do I report someone threatening me on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp provides end-to-end encryption on its messenger platform, ensuring that only the communicating parties can access the messages. However, if you need to report a blackmail attempt or threat, WhatsApp has a useful built-in feature. By utilizing this feature, WhatsApp can receive the last five messages sent to you by the reported account, even with the encryption in place. Here are the steps to report a blackmailer:
To report a user:
1. Open the chat with the user you want to report.
2. Tap on the More Options icon, usually represented by three vertical dots.
3. Select “More” followed by “Report.”
4. You can choose to block the user and delete messages in the chat by checking the corresponding box.
5. Tap on “Report.”
To report a view once photo or video:
1. Open the view once photo or video.
2. Tap on the More Options icon in the bottom corner.
3. Select “Report contact.”
To block a contact:
1. Open the chat with the contact you want to block.
2. Tap on the contact’s name.
3. Select “Block Contact.”
How to Report Blackmail on WhatsApp:
WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption on WhatsApp messenger. This means only the two parties involved in the communication can read or listen to the messages. So how can you report the crime with this encryption mod set up on the application? Well, WhatsApp has this nifty built-in feature that allows you to report the person who has been blackmailing you or threatening your safety. Once reported, WhatsApp will actually receive the last five messages sent to you by the reported account even with end-to-end encryption. Below are the steps to report the Blackmailers’ contact.
To report a contact:
- Open the chat with the user you wish to report.
- Tap more options > More> Report. Check the box if you would like to also block the user and delete messages in the chat.
- Tap report.
Report a view once photo or video:
- Open the view once photo or video.
- Tap more in the bottom corner.
- Tap report contact.
To Block a contact:
- Open the chat with the contact.
- Tap the contact’s name.
- Hit block Contact.
How to protect yourself on WhatsApp:
Always be wary with whom you share personal information. There are so many scammers out there looking for their next victim, and they will do anything to get what they want from you. Avoiding these individuals altogether is key to staying safe online.
- Don’t give your number out to just anyone.
- Never send compromising images or information.
- Use stealth mode to prevent screenshots of view once photos.
- Keep your registration code or two-factor pin to yourself. Perpetrators are known to use these pins to steal accounts to commit more fraud.
- Do not click on any attachments from unknown senders that are not safe and may contain malware that will target your phone.
- Report online Blackmail right away. You can file a report with local law enforcement and online to the FBI’S crime complaint center.
- Get a third party involved. Cyber Investigation is one of the many companies trained to fight these kinds of cybercrimes.
Conclusion:
Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be careful how you share your personal information. Many scammers are waiting for their next victim.
When in doubt, call them out. Speak up and report any crimes right away. 1 in 3 victims are staying silent. If you or someone know is being blackmailed on WhatsApp reach out to Cyber Investigation to start a case today. By following these steps, you can protect yourself from blackmail on WhatsApp. If you have any further questions, please contact us or comment below. Our Team can also help with any other types of online blackmail:
If you faced with:
Please, contact our sextortion helpline
