Last Updated on July 7, 2023

Nowadays, social media platforms have become an integral part of our lives, and Instagram is one of the biggest platforms out there. With the ease of online posting and sharing stories at the click of a button, users have found a way to exploit Instagram for blackmail crimes. Keep reading to find out how to stop blackmail on Instagram and what kind of warning signs are out there to prevent these types of crimes.

How to Identify Suspicious Behavior and Warning Signs?

Instagram blackmailers often use deception and emotional manipulation to gain the upper hand over their victims. Here are a few warning signs that indicate you could be chatting with an online scammer:

• First off, things might be moving a bit too quickly. This can look like being coerced into sharing personal, private information or compromising images early on. Or even sharing login credentials, sending nude photos or videos, or making payments
• Next, their accounts can look too good to be true. Scammers alike use countless fake profiles or aliases. Keep an eye out for stock-like or overly filtered photographs.
• Lastly, they could be making many spelling and grammar mistakes. Many online scammers are in different countries; sometimes, things like grammar can get lost in translation.

If you are encountering one of these red flags, we suggest looking into the user’s profile a little more in-depth. Try running a reverse image search on their profile or on any images, the user has sent you. If anything comes up, you should think twice about continuing the conversation.

5 Steps to Stop Instagram Blackmail

Step 1: Never respond to the blackmailer’s messages or requests. Doing so would only give the blackmailer more leverage and control over you. It is essential to be strong and not yield to the blackmailer’s demands.

Step 2: Report the blackmailer’s account to Instagram through their in-app feature. This will notify Instagram, who will take appropriate measures to address the issue and protect your online safety.

Step 3: Collect as much evidence as possible by taking screenshots of all messages or conversations between you and the blackmailer. It is crucial to gather evidence for any legal cases that may follow.

Step 4: Report the case to the authorities, such as the police or cybersecurity agencies. Provide them with all the evidence you have collected, and let them take the legal action required to protect you. You can report online directly to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Step 5: If you need it, seek professional help to deal with emotional trauma and stress caused due to such incidents. You are not alone, and support is always available to help you through difficult times.

How to Support Others Who Have Experienced Instagram Blackmail?

If any of your friends or family members have experienced Instagram blackmail, you should provide them with emotional support. It is normal to want to jump right in and fix things. However, that is not your responsibility. It is more beneficial for you to offer support instead. Try and start by listening and being present with them as they walk through their healing journey.

When they are ready, they will talk about what has happened because you create a safe space for them to be vulnerable. It can be easy to want to blame yourself for not being able to protect a loved one, but it is essential that you do not. Make sure to support them in whatever their next steps may be but reinforce that it could be beneficial to report the crime. Healing can be a long road ahead of you both.

Conclusion

Blackmail on Instagram is a serious problem, one that can have far-reaching consequences. Taking the necessary steps to protect yourself against blackmail on Instagram is critical to maintaining your safety and security online. While there are no silver bullets when it comes to stopping this kind of threat, keeping in mind some key tips can go a long way in helping you avoid becoming a victim: document any suspicious behavior, report it immediately, change your password on an ongoing basis and be wary of what you post publicly.

If you need additional help with an Instagram blackmail report, talk to one of our representatives today at Cyber Investigation. Remember, you are not alone; support is available if needed with the Cyber Investigation team.