Blackmail remains a widespread threat to internet users. In 2024 alone, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received over 86,000 extortion complaints. That same year, Meta removed over 60,000 accounts that were linked to blackmail schemes. This includes 5,700 Facebook groups in which scammers were offering advice on how to exploit other users. Blackmail with video on Facebook scams are a growing concern, and users need to know what to do if they are targeted.
Common Types of Blackmail with Video on Facebook Scams
Meta has removed over 1 billion fake accounts on Facebook to this point in 2025. This is a clear indicator of just how many suspicious users you need to watch out for on the platform. Blackmailers on Facebook use a variety of tactics to pressure targets into compliance. It’s important to familiarize yourself with their tactics so that you can recognize a scam before it’s too late. Here are the most common forms of blackmail with video on Facebook.
Blackmail with a Video Chat on Facebook
Facebook has evolved past the original purpose of being a social media platform. Now, it has a dating feature, communities, and a marketplace. However, that same versatility also creates opportunities for schemes like the blackmail with video on Facebook scam.
This blackmail with video on Facebook scam is when bad actors lure unsuspecting users into a fraudulent online relationship. Once enough trust is built, they convince the victim to engage in an explicit video call that is secretly recorded. Then, the scammer threatens to release the video publicly unless the victim meets their financial demands.
Blackmail with Shared Videos on Facebook
Similar to blackmail with a video chat on Facebook, catfishers will use fake profiles to lure victims into an online relationship. After gaining the victim’s trust, they persuade them into sharing explicit images. Then, they threaten to expose the images to the victim’s friends or family members unless the victim complies with their demands. This is otherwise known as sextortion.
Sexual Deepfakes
Unfortunately, deepfake technology and AI has only intensified the potential harm of online blackmail. Scammers are using the new technology to create fake explicit images and videos of victims. They may edit victims into already existing explicit videos or use undress AI applications to create false nudes.
Even though these deepfakes are not real, scammers still use them to blackmail victims. They will send direct messages threatening to send the deepfakes to the victim’s friends and family. The blackmailer typically demands a certain amount of money in exchange for keeping the deepfakes private.
Hacked Accounts or Devices
Social engineering tactics are used to manipulate victims into giving the scammers access to their own accounts. These scammers may impersonate trusted organizations or individuals close to the potential victim. Then, they will lure victims into clicking malicious links or visiting fake websites designed to steal their login credentials. After gaining access to the victim’s passwords or systems, they may find incriminating videos and use them for blackmail.
How to Identify the Signs of a Blackmail Attempt
To prevent yourself from falling victim to blackmail, you need to recognize the early signs of it. Scammers use similar scripts and tactics to target victims. This makes it easy to catch onto the common elements used. Here are the warning signs of a blackmail attempt.
- Unsolicited friend requests and messages. Scammers send tens, if not hundreds, of messages to Facebook users hoping someone will respond. Approach all friend requests from someone you don’t know with caution.
- Quickly advancing the relationship. Catfishers will use compliments and affection to quickly establish trust with victims. They will say things like “You’re my soulmate” and “Miss you already.”
- Poor grammar or unnatural language. Many of these blackmailers are not native English speakers. They will make grammar mistakes or word choices that sound unnatural.
- Profiles that were recently created or barely have any posts. Fake profiles are typically recently created and have little to no posts on their timeline.
- Attempt to direct the conversation off the platform. Scammers will attempt to steer a conversation on Facebook off the platform and onto private messaging apps. Encrypted messaging platforms allow criminals to blackmail victims without a lot of oversight.
How to Respond to Blackmail with Video on Facebook Scams
If you have fallen victim to blackmail with video on Facebook, you are not helpless. And you are not alone. There are steps you can take to protect yourself and even fight back against your attacker. Follow these steps if you are dealing with blackmail with video.
- Do not comply. Victims of blackmail should never comply with the perpetrator’s demands. Giving in to the demands will only encourage the culprit to continue threatening you to extract as much money as possible.
- Record the evidence. Blackmail is a crime across the country and it’s important to document evidence of the crime. Take screenshots of the messages, the profiles involved, and anything else that is relevant.
- Report the profile on the platform. Facebook does not tolerate blackmail on its platform. It has a reporting system for users to file a complaint about any inappropriate behavior. This system is anonymous and can lead to the account being removed from the platform for good.
- Notify the authorities. Your local law enforcement is one of your greatest assets. Filing a report allows the police to create a timeline of events and have a record of your evidence. You should also report the crime to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The IC3 tracks national cybercrime trends and can be used to launch an investigation.
- Work with private cybersecurity firms. Experts at cybersecurity firms can protect victims of blackmail from exposure. Many offer services to detect and remove any images or videos posted without consent. Experts can also follow the data trail left behind by the perpetrator, revealing their geolocation and identity.
Real-Life Case: A Blackmail with Video on Facebook Scam
A sextortion group in the Ivory Coast used an attractive woman’s publicly available images to create an account on Facebook. They named themselves “Emily Thompson” and targeted a teenager in North Dakota. Emily was 20 years old and lived in Montana. The group messaged the victim and started a relationship with him.
Eventually, “Emily” tricked the victim into sharing a video recording along with some images of himself performing explicit acts. However, the events quickly took a turn. “Emily” threatened to expose the video and images unless the victim could meet their demands. However, the teenager couldn’t. Unfortunately, the sextortion group made good on their threat, and after experiencing exposure, the victim took his own life.
The sextortion group now faces charges of cyberstalking, wire fraud, and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
How To Stay Safe from Blackmail Scams on Facebook
The best way to protect yourself from blackmail with video on Facebook is to prevent yourself from being targeted in the first place. Below are proactive steps you should take to reduce your risk of being targeted and stay safe on Facebook.
- Make your account private. You can make your account private, which limits the number of people that will be able to discover your profile. There are also privacy settings that allow users to control who can message them and who can see their profile details.
- Strengthen security settings. If you are being targeted, cybercriminals may attempt to also gain access to your accounts. Make sure you update your passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Your passwords should be strong and unique to each account.
- Avoid clicking any suspicious links. Hackers will use social engineering to lure victims into clicking malicious links, granting access to accounts or devices.
- Vet your friends list. Bad actors who are already on your friends list will have more access to your posts and stories. Vet your friends list and make sure everyone is someone you can trust.
Your Privacy Matters. Protect it by working with Cyber Investigation
If you are a victim of blackmail with video on Facebook, Cyber Investigation can help. We are digital experts who have helped protect thousands of victims. Our experts make preserving your privacy the priority and work tirelessly to prevent exposure. We also have advanced technology that quickly detects and removes any non-consensually posted images and videos. Lastly, we have digital forensic experts who can trace the blackmailer’s digital footprint and put an end to the threats. Contact us today if you want experts to stand by your side.
