Last Updated on October 13, 2023

Instagram is a social media platform that has become a go-to space for sharing personal photos and videos. However, it is not a safe zone, especially when sharing intimate visuals.

There are times when your intimate photos and videos may land in the wrong hands, and if the recipient is vengeful, they could threaten to share them online to hurt you or extract money from you. This is an unpleasant situation that can cause a lot of fear, anxiety, and distress. Knowing what to do next is essential if you find yourself in such a situation. In this blog post, we will outline actionable steps to immediately take when someone threatens to share your intimate photos and videos on Instagram.

What Can I Do If Someone Is Threatening to Share Intimate Photos and Videos on Instagram?

You can and should protect yourself if you are the victim of Instagram sextortion. Here are some tips to start your recovery from Instagram sextortion.

Take Screenshots of the Threats: If someone threatens to share your intimate photos and videos online, the first thing to do is to take a screenshot of the threat. This is important because it will serve as evidence in case you need to report the incident to the relevant authorities or the Instagram team. You can never be too sure how serious the threat is, so having screenshots will ensure that the matter is taken seriously.

Lock Down Your Social Media Accounts:

To disable your blackmailer from gaining more intel on you and your life, you must implement strong privacy settings on your Instagram account and the rest of your social media profiles. These criminals will scour through your online profiles to find anything against you. We recommend changing your profile picture and name on your accounts and putting your friends list private.

Report the Threat to Instagram:

First, you should report the threat to Instagram. To do this, go to the user’s profile, click on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, and select “Report.” Choose the relevant reason for the report: “Inappropriate content.” Instagram takes these reports seriously and will investigate the situation.

Report the Threat to Authorities:

You should immediately report the crime to the authorities. With the rise of sextortion scares in the U.S., they are aware of the problem and are there to take reports and work with the FBI to investigate the threats.

Seek Out Legal Support:

If you feel that the situation is serious, you may want to consider seeking legal support. Contact a lawyer with experience in this area to guide you on the best course of action. In addition, contacting law enforcement agencies if you feel threatened can provide a sense of security.

These steps can also help you understand your options and enable you to take the necessary legal action to protect yourself and your privacy.

Reach Out for Support:

It’s essential to have a support system to help you through this difficult time. Speak to someone you trust, like a friend or a family member, about what has happened so you can work out a plan of action together. You can also contact Instagram support for assistance and to provide you with resources.

How to report online blackmail?

To report blackmail, start by collecting all the evidence and bringing it to your local police, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center., and blackmail helplines for assistance. It’s best to take advantage of the resources available to you. The more support you have, the greater your chances of overcoming this difficult time.

When searching for help, exercise caution when seeking help to avoid falling prey to recovery scammers, who are just another set of blackmailers aiming to exploit your vulnerability. Therefore, be vigilant and conduct thorough research when seeking assistance.

Dealing with the threat of intimate photo and video sharing can be an unnecessary stress in your life, and the steps to combat this issue can be daunting. However, it is essential to remember that you do not have to go through it alone.

You can take action by reporting to Instagram, seeking legal support, blocking the user, reaching out for support, and being mindful of your social media content. The best way to protect yourself is by knowing your options proactively. Your privacy on social media is your responsibility.

Do not be afraid to stand up for your rights. If you are ever in a situation like this, remember to take control and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your privacy.