I’m Being Blackmailed On Snapchat- What To Do?
Snapchat is one of the most popular social media platforms of 2024. Especially Gen Z enjoys how the platform gamified it. But what happens when the fun turns into a nightmare?
The message disappearing feature of Snapchat can be used by some twisted minds for online blackmail.
If you are a victim of such Snapchat blackmail, we have prepared this guide to help you tackle the situation.
What To Do If Someone Blackmails You On Snapchat
First of all, relax, and don’t panic!
Being blackmailed on social media platforms like Snapchat can be scary. But always remember you are not alone. Here is how you can navigate this situation and take back control.
Do Not Respond to Threats
This might feel counterintuitive, but responding to a blackmailer’s threats can actually make things worse. Here’s why-
- It shows vulnerability: If you are constantly engaging with the blackmailer, it shows them that you are already affected and might be more likely to give in to their demands. They might see your response as an invitation to keep pushing you.
- It gives out more information: Responding to their messages might lead to a back-and-forth where they can try to manipulate you for more information. Always remember that their goal is to get control of you, and even the smallest information can give them more power.
So, in such a case, silence is your best response.
By not responding to their DMs, you are not only taking away their power and showing them that you are unbothered by their threats, but you are also taking a stand for yourself.
Preserve Evidence
This is critical for getting help and holding the blackmailer accountable. With enough evidence, you can build a strong case against them.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Screenshots: Take screenshots of every possible message, photo, and threat they send you. Make sure they include any information about that person and the timestamps of when they sent it.
As a bonus, any time you take a screenshot, the person is notified, and the blackmailer might get scared.
- Save Everything: Don’t delete the messages or snaps. No matter what the conversation is, they may be important evidence later.
- Consider Recording: If the person threatens you over voice chat, record the conversation on another device (if legal in your area) with a trusted friend as a witness.
Do Not Pay or Comply
We know this might be tempting, especially if they’re threatening to share something embarrassing.
But here’s the harsh truth – It doesn’t guarantee they’ll stop if you give them money!
Even if you pay the money, there’s no guarantee they won’t come back for more money or blackmail you with something else.
Rather, it encourages them. Paying them shows them their tactic worked. So, they might target you again or try this with other people.
Plus, never forget that blackmailing is a crime, and giving in to their demands is actually supporting illegal activity.
Block the User
Once you’ve decided not to engage with the blackmailer, it’s time to cut them off completely.
You might ask why. Well, to start with, blocking them prevents them from contacting you again on your Snapchat account. This removes the immediate threat and gives you some peace of mind.
Blocking them also limits their reach (unless you are connected with them on other social media). So they won’t be able to see your snaps or stories, further reducing their ability to scare or manipulate you.
Lastly, blocking them sends off a message that you won’t tolerate their behaviour. It’s a clear sign that you’re not going to entertain them anymore.
Plus, in most cases, if they have a motive behind blackmailing you with intimate images, sensitive information, or any other explicit content, they will keep pushing you to do what they want.
Report to Snapchat
Snapchat has safety tools in place to deal with harassment and blackmail. By reporting the blackmailer to Snapchat, you’re helping them identify and potentially ban them from the platform. This not only protects you but also prevents them from targeting others.
Here’s how to report the blackmailer:
- Take Screenshots: Before reporting, make sure you have screenshots of the messages and threats as evidence.
- Report the User: Open the blackmailer’s profile and tap the three dots in the corner. Select “Report” and follow the on-screen prompts to explain the situation.
- Provide Details: Be specific about the blackmail attempt. Include details like the nature of the threats and any evidence you have.
Contact Law Enforcement
Blackmail is a serious crime. Depending on the nature of the threats, you can always take the help of law enforcement and press charges.
Law enforcement has experience dealing with cybercrime more than you know. So even if you are feeling clueless, just reach out to them and they’ll guide you from there.
Here’s when to consider contacting the police.
- Threats of Violence: If the blackmailer threatens physical harm to you or someone you know, report them to the police immediately. This is a serious threat and a punishable offence in many countries.
- Sharing of Private Content: If they threaten to share intimate photos (like nude photos or any other sexual images) without your consent, this is considered a form of cybersex trafficking. Apart from any nude images and other explicit content, any other sensitive information which can cause emotional abuse will fall under this.
You must immediately report it to the nearest police station to protect your privacy and potentially press charges.
- Feeling Unsafe: In some cases, the threats might not be direct. But if they are making you feel unsafe or harassed, you can always contact the police.
They can offer guidance and support.
Seek Legal Advice
If necessary, you can consult a lawyer for advice and take a more powerful step in protecting yourself. However, this won’t be a cheap option.
The cost of a legal advisor varies, but free or low-cost legal resources are available in many areas. If you must, you can start by contacting your local bar association or a legal aid organisation for assistance.
Here are some cases where legal advice can be helpful.
- Understanding Your Rights: A lawyer can explain your legal rights and options in this situation. They can offer advice on how you must proceed and protect your interests.
- Building a Case: In case you are planning on pressing charges, a lawyer can help you gather evidence, build a case against the blackmailer and also represent you in court.
- Peace of Mind: Having some legal guidance will provide peace of mind and also a sense of control during a stressful situation.
Reach Out for Support
We understand that blackmail can be emotionally draining yet difficult to share.
But telling your close one that “I’m being blackmailed on Snapchat” can actually help you feel better. So, it is always a good idea to reach out for support.
Bottling up your feelings can make things worse. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, therapist, or helpline. They can offer a listening ear, emotional support, advice and guidance.
Talking about what happened can help you process your emotions and feel empowered to take action.
Remember, you are not weak if you are seeking help. Talking about this shows strength and courage.
Conclusion
The number of such blackmail cases is more than you can imagine. Every day hundreds of people fall prey to online sextortion, romance scams, identity theft, or similar scams.
So, keep your distance from fake accounts and avoid sharing your personal information, let alone explicit images, with such criminals. If you’re already a victim, please don’t hesitate to seek help now.