Being Harassed Online? Here's How to Make It Stop

Infopackets Reader Mark R. writes:

" Dear Dennis,

I just came across your article on what to do if someone is harassing you, and I'm reaching out because my teenage son is brutally being harassed online. He recently met a girl in a chat group on Reddit; she seemed nice at first, and claims to live nearby. They chatted for a few days, then things got more 'personal': she convinced him to move to Snapchat, where they exchanged some private messages and pictures. She asked for his Instagram and they exchanged info. Almost immediately, the tone shifted and now she's demanding money. She's taken screenshots of all of his Instagram followers and says she'll send the pictures unless he pays more. He's already sent $300 in Apple Pay cards with my Visa (without my permission). She promised to delete the photos with video proof, but only deleted one photo and says she needs more. I realize this is a scam. My son is terrified, and I feel completely helpless. What are the chances that the blackmailers follow through? Is there any way to stop this? "

My response:

Thanks for your email. What your son is going through is called sextortion and it is a devastating form of online blackmail that preys on fear and desperation.

Here are the short answers to your question:

1. Based on my own experience: if you want to stop cyber harassment (online blackmail) dead in its tracks, you will need carefully planned strategies and contingency plans. It's nice to know ahead of time what tricks and traps scammers will throw at you so you can avoid exposure, and that's exactly the type of intel I have to offer.
    
2. To answer the question, "do blackmailers follow through on Instagram" - the chances of exposure is 50% - some fake it, some don't. It depends on which gang of cyber criminals you're dealing with (I can often help determine this based on tactics being used).
    
3. The chances of exposure depends on a number of factors, including: what information they have (such as pics, videos, chat logs); and whether or not the scammers have access to the victim's social media (usually Instagram or Facebook).
    
4. If you are being harassed online via Instagram or Facebook, you need to think 10 steps ahead in order to mitigate any potential damage done to his reputation - that's because scammers often follow a set 'script' and have numerous tricks and traps designed to make you slip up, forcing you to pay or get exposed. I offer such help because I've studied this scam since 2019 and know how it usually plays out, including the blackmailer's dirty little tricks and traps. At the very least, take the time to read this article so you understand what to do and what to avoid.

Need help now? I've worked on over 1,000+ sextortion cases and know how to prevent your exposure and shut the blackmailers down. Contact me here for a free 15-minute phone call consultation - I'm happy to answer your questions. When you contact me, you will also receive two free reports that contain invaluable information: Five Strategies to Stall Blackmail Scammers and Not Pay Anything and Sextortion Survival Guide - Five Critical Mistakes to Avoid and What to Do Instead. These invaluable guides contain proven strategies to help you take control of the situation before it escalates.

In this article, I'll take a deep dive to answer the most frequently asked questions about being harassed online. If you don't have time to read this article and want help RIGHT NOW, then contact me and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. Otherwise, keep reading.

Here's what's covered in this article:

• Being Harassed Online? It's Not What You Think
  • Fake Accounts Lure Victims into Chat
  • Paying Only Makes it Worse
• Why Reporting Online Harassment is a Waste of Time
  • Blackmailers Use Disposable Accounts
  • Authorities Too Slow to Respond (Before it's Too Late)
  • Scammers Delete Evidence Before You Can Report It
  • Even If an Account is Banned, the Scam Continues
  • Reporting Can Actually Escalate the Situation
• Being Harassed Online - What NOT to Do
  • Don't Pay the Blackmailer - With Caveats
  • Don't Shut Down Your Social Media
  • Don't Block the Blackmailer Prematurely
• Online Harassment Misconceptions
  • The Police Won't Help
  • The FBI Won't Help
  • Claiming Your Account Got Hacked Won't Work
  • Doing Nothing Can Backfire Horribly
  • Lawyers Won't Help - With Caveats
• How to Stop Online Harassment - Practical Steps
  • Use Strategic Communication
  • Don't Share Personal Information
  • Set Your Accounts to Private Instead
  • Don't have Anything to Lose? Block Them
  • Take Control Now with Expert Help
• Watch Out - Don't Fall for a Recovery Scam
• Expert Help for Online Harassment Victims

Being Harassed Online? It's Not What You Think

Sextortionists frequently target men (and women) of all ages - including teenagers - as long as the victim has access to money and can be pressured into paying. Technically speaking, any pictures or videos of the victim in this instance would be considered highly illegal due to the victim's age, but the scammers don't care - they only want your money.

In cases like this, scammers manipulate victims into sharing private content, then demand money in exchange for supposed secrecy. However, these criminals never intend to honor their promises; once a victim pays, they will never stop asking for more. That is how this scam goes 100% of the time in all the cases I've worked on, even when there has been doubt - I've always been proven correct.

Sextortion is almost always organized crime because it rakes in big bucks. Scammers literally set up overseas 'call centers' to help manage their efforts. It is often operated by cybercriminal groups, particularly in the Philippines and Africa.

Fake Accounts Lure Victims into Chat

Blackmailers often use fake accounts on social media to lure their victims, then switch to another chat platform to make it "more private."

Some of the most popular chat platforms include Google Chat, Snapchat and WhatsApp. WhatsApp has a very poor reputation for the most heinous version of sextortion (known as pig butchering), whereby the scammers will entice the victim to invest their life savings in a fake crypto website. Quite often, it's almost always Chinese scammers that do this - so if you get an unknown message on WhatsApp from a cute looking Asian girl, definitely don't answer.

Because pig butchering is tied to romance scams, scammers may also use any intimate photos or videos of the victim as leverage. If you stop "investing" as they demand, they can quickly turn on you, threatening to expose those images to your partner or spouse - something I've seen happen in several cases I've worked on. Based on my experience, Snapchat is frequently used by Filipino blackmailers. Google Chat is often used by African scammers, though blackmailers use each platform interchangeably.

If you are being blackmailed on Snapchat, my article explains the best ways to respond while minimizing your risk. I also have another article on WhatsApp blackmail (in regard to crypto sextortion and Facebook Dating). I also have another one on how to deal with blackmail on Google Chat.

Most of the time the chat serves as a way to groom the victim and get them to willingly leak private information (full name, address, type of work, marriage details, private pictures and videos, and Facebook and Instagram profiles). While pig butchering scams often drag on for an extended period, standard sextortion shifts to outright blackmail as soon as the scammers have gathered enough information. At that point, they quickly drop the pretense and fully engage in online extortion, using your social media contacts as leverage and delivering a clear ultimatum: pay now or face exposure.

Paying Only Makes it Worse

A common misconception is that paying the blackmailer will calm them down and make them go away. In fact, the scammers will tell you this hoping that you will pay them something.

In reality, paying only signals to scammers that it's worth it for the victim to pay, making them a continued target. Based on my experience, the key to stopping sextortion is to strategically control the engagement, avoid making additional payments, and implement measures to minimize the risk of exposure.

One highly effective strategy I use is to stage a fake payment. Showing the scammer that you are willing to pay often calms them down quickly - far more than simply refusing - and stops the constant stream of threats. With this approach, no money is ever sent, but you can still provide instant, convincing proof that you attempted payment (and yes, they will demand proof, so be prepared to provide it on the fly). Using my method, you can continue faking a payment for as long as necessary while providing instantaneous fake proof - long enough for them to lose interest and move on.

This is just one tool in the toolbox I offer to get the scammers off your back: I also offer a complete plan with contingencies. Interested in learning more? Contact me here for assistance. We can talk about your case - 15 minutes free consultation, under no obligation.

Still too shy for a call? You may also find some of my other articles helpful:

• Do Sextortion Blackmailers Follow Through?
• What to Do About Sextortion
• How Long Does Blackmail Last? (and what to expect)
• How to Deal with Blackmail on Facebook

Why Reporting Online Harassment is a Waste of Time

Many victims that are being harassed online believe that reporting a sextortion scammer to social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat will lead to swift action, such as banning the scammer's account and that this will somehow stop their threats. Unfortunately, this rarely works. In most cases, it is a complete waste of time.

Here's why -

Blackmailers Use Disposable Accounts

Sextortionists rarely rely on a single account. In computing terms, this would be likened to a 'single point of failure' - without the account, they wouldn't be able to blackmail other victims. As such, they create multiple fake profiles in advance, knowing that some may get reported and taken down. The moment one account is banned, they simply switch to another and continue their threats.

Authorities Too Slow to Respond (Before it's Too Late)

Think of it this way: social media platforms have billions of users and receive thousands of abuse reports daily. Their review processes is often automated in order to help categorize what needs to be looked at and how. By the time a human moderator sees your report (if they ever do), the scammer has already moved on, but not before potentially exposing you.

Scammers Delete Evidence Before You Can Report It

Many scammers know how social media platforms operate and opt to delete messages or accounts before a complaint can be reviewed. As such, there is usually "insufficient evidence" to take action by moderators. On that note, if a blackmailer ever deletes their account, don't take it as a sign that they've moved on - they only do so because they don't want to get caught (and most likely because they're using the same account to blackmail 10+ other people at the same time). In such cases, blackmailers typically come back with threats using another social media account, or will text you directly. I know, because I've seen it happen countless times.

Even If an Account is Banned, the Scam Continues

Even in cases where platforms do take action and remove the scammer's account, this does nothing to stop someone from harassing you on social media. The scammer has already saved your contacts, downloaded private conversations, and collected leverage to use against you. Removing their profile doesn't erase their threats - it just means they'll come back under a different name and message you (or your contacts) again.

Reporting Can Actually Escalate the Situation

Contrary to popular belief, reporting the scammer that is harassing you may actually make things worse. If they find out that you reported them but their account is still active, they may retaliate immediately by sending your private content to contacts out of spite. Once again, I know this, because I've seen it happen!

Are you being harassed online and bombarded with threats of exposure? Need help now? With over 1,000 sextortion and blackmail cases resolved, I have a deep understanding of how these scams unfold - and, more importantly, how to shut them down. I offer insider knowledge based on real cases, providing you with proven strategies tailored to your specific situation and contingency plans to reduce your risk. Contact me here to learn more.

Being Harassed Online - What NOT to Do

Don't Pay the Blackmailer - With Caveats

As I've already mentioned many times: if you pay anything at all, they will never stop asking for more.

Unfortunately, this is easier said than done and requires proper planning because the scammers are always 10 steps ahead. That's because these scammers are pros at what they do - they are crafty and will do things completely unexpected - and that is putting it mildly. They have plenty of experience harassing and blackmailing other victims, know all the excuses victims make, and how to counter them. Furthermore, it's also not uncommon to have payment demands from multiple phone numbers at the same time. That's because scammers work in groups and compete against each other for your money. This puts a lot of pressure on the victim to pay up.

In all online harassment blackmail cases, it's extremely advantageous to know what to expect so that you don't fall victim to blackmailer tricks and traps that often force victims to pay. That's where I can help - I have worked on over 1,000+ blackmail cases and know this scam inside and out and can assist you in making the correct decisions. I provide insight to the crime, explain worst-case scenarios, and have contingencies ready to go. I provide full consultation by phone and by email, and advise custom to your case so that you can walk out of this unscathed. Interested in learning more? Contact me for help.

Don't Shut Down Your Social Media

When it comes to online harassment, most victims shut down their social media accounts thinking that it will somehow prevent the blackmailers from reaching out to their contacts. This is not true. Once the blackmailers engage the victim, they download their contacts and use fake profiles to message friends and family. They can do this because most social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram are open platforms, meaning you are free to reach out to anyone you want.

The fact is, closing your social media accounts only serves to have the scammers respond aggressively, because they think you're about to run away and not pay. If you are being blackmailed on Instagram, shutting your account can actually make the situation worse, so it's critical to follow a proven strategy instead. Even if you don't have social media, scammers can use third party websites like BeenVerified to dig up information about you and people you know, and then target others through social media or by phone directly.

Don't Block the Blackmailer Prematurely

This is often overlooked: blocking blackmailers too soon often triggers immediate retaliation. When I say "too early," I mean that you should have a plan in place before you block them in case they seek retaliation, complete with contingencies. Once again, this is where I can help, because I have lots of experience. I am already aware of the worst the scammers can do and can help you plan to mitigate the threats, so that you don't fall victim to one of their devious traps.

Case and point: if you block a scammer, quite often they will start making contact with people you know, take a screenshot of the conversation, then contact you from another social media account and show you the conversation to say "I'm not going anywhere."

In this case, it's best to have a plan prior to blocking them in order to minimize the risk. I have a plan that's already been used to help thousands of victims and I can help you too. Contact me here to book a free phone consultation.

Online Harassment Misconceptions

The Police Won't Help

Unless you know the perpetrator personally and have met them face to face in the same room, there is an exceptionally high chance are you are dealing with an overseas criminal.

Victims frequently believe police intervention will resolve their situation, but the fact is, local law enforcement can't actually do anything because the scammers are in another country. Victims often tell me that the Police recommend that you "block the scammer and don't pay any more." That's great advice - however, it's not useful at all. This approach can risk your exposure because it's possible the blackmailers follow through with their threats if they can't get a hold of you. Don't believe me? Look at this pic which shows scammers contacting the victim's family members asking for the victim to get back in touch with them (along with some threats).

If you don't want that to happen to you, consider contacting me for help. I have lots of experience in dealing with this scam. Since 2019, I have worked on over 1,000+ cases and know this scam inside and out like the back of my hand. Contact me now - you won't regret it.

The FBI Won't Help

While it is true that the FBI has a website dedicated for scams (called IC3.gov) and you can file a complaint detailing what happened to you - the fact is that no one from the FBI is going to call you back or investigate your crime. Instead, any data you input is used towards the next IC3 annual crime report. In other words, they will not intervene directly in individual cases. International jurisdictional issues typically prevent effective FBI action.

Claiming Your Account Got Hacked Won't Work

This is a big misconception. When you are being harassed on Instagram (as an example), posting a message on your social media that your account got hacked and telling your friends and family to avoid communicating with any new contacts that might come their way simply WILL NOT WORK. I cannot stress this enough!

The blackmailers fully anticipate you doing this because they have seen their victims do it over and over again. They know ways around it that you will never think of because they are very crafty and devious. I have seen it many times. If you want a better way around this, I can help because my plan takes this into account. Contact me here for more info.

Doing Nothing Can Backfire Horribly

Many victims ask, "do blackmailers bluff?" While some scammers will make threats without actually following through, the fact is that some do follow through and some go the extra mile to ensure you taste every inch of their wrath. Ignoring threats without a strategic response can be a recipe for disaster - but, if you have nothing to do lose, then just block them and be done with it. If you are being harassed online and want to prevent things from escalating, following the right plan from the start is critical.

Lawyers Won't Help - With Caveats

This is another huge myth when it comes to being harassed online with respect to sextortion.

Lawyers typically can only assist if you personally know the blackmailer - i.e. you have met them in the same room together, the blackmailer lives in your country, and their identity is verifiable. In other words: most sextortion scammers are overseas and completely anonymous.

I am aware of one online law firm that claims to specialize in sextortion; they charge $3,000+ for a cease and desist letter and charge extra for consultation. However, the fact is, cease and desist letters often have very little effect on overseas criminals who remain anonymous. That's because the legal threats are coming from another country (i.e. USA Lawyer threatening African Scammers). On the other hand, I offer a complete plan of mitigation, my rates are considerably less than what this online lawyer is charging, plus all my consultation is provided without any extra charge. If you're interested in discussing your case, feel free to reach out.

How to Stop Online Harassment - Practical Steps

Use Strategic Communication

Rather than abruptly blocking or cutting communication, I recommend using strategic stall tactics to manage immediate threats. Examples include claiming you're actively gathering funds or waiting for delayed bank transactions. That said, be very careful here, because stall tactics (if used incorrectly) can have the opposite effect - they can make the scammers angry if you can't produce results fast enough. A clear plan is essential - I can help you develop one.

As I've mentioned a few times already: one excellent strategy I use is to string the scammers along with fake payments. Quite often they will direct you to download an app to send them money (such as CashApp), then ask you to send them screenshots every step of the way to prove you are complying with their instructions. Using my methods, you are still able to produce screenshots to prove to the scammers that the payment you're trying to send failed. When they realize it's not working, they will try to get you to use another method. Again, using my methods, it will fail. Providing them proof that it failed will calm them down as opposed to saying "I can't pay you."

Need help now? Want ideas for some strategies? Contact me here for a free 15-minute phone call consultation - I'm happy to answer your questions. When you contact me, you will also receive two free reports that contain invaluable information: Five Strategies to Stall Blackmail Scammers and Not Pay Anything and Sextortion Survival Guide - Five Critical Mistakes to Avoid and What to Do Instead. These invaluable guides contain proven strategies to help you take control of the situation before it escalates.

Don't Share Personal Information

This is another big no-no: never share sensitive details once threats start. That said, most online harassers will casually ask for your phone number (they usually do this in the beginning) when you are least suspecting. From here they can do a reverse lookup on your number, find out your first and last name, then go on social media and find you or people you know online. Also worth noting is that quite often scammers will ask for screenshots of your banking details if you try to stall them.

Be careful here - don't do it - because it will only serve to have them pressure you more. (I know a better way around this and have a counter measure as part of my plan - contact me to learn more). Scammers may also ask for a picture of your driver's license if you can't come up with any money. If you do this, you are at risk of identity theft because they will try to open credit cards in your name, phone plans, and more.

Set Your Accounts to Private Instead

This is another excellent tip: instead of closing down your social media accounts completely, temporarily make your accounts private. This will prevent the blackmailers from posting nasty things on your page, tagging you in incriminating posts, or using their account against you in any way. If they ask why you made it private, you can always say that you are not comfortable leaving it public.

Don't have Anything to Lose? Block Them

If you are being harassed online and have nothing to lose - no reputation at stake, no personal or professional consequences - then the simplest approach is to block the scammer and move on. Some scammers will give up early if they see no reaction, especially if they realize they have no real leverage over you. This advice is free and is effective in certain circumstances.

Take Control Now with Expert Help

If exposure would have serious personal, social, or professional consequences, then blocking the blackmailers outright could trigger escalation, retaliation, or immediate exposure. Scammers often act aggressively when they feel their control slipping, and making the wrong move can result in unnecessary damage.

If you want to navigate this with the least amount of stress and risk, I strongly recommend reaching out - contact me here. Over the last 6 years, I've developed proven strategies that minimize your chances of exposure, defuse the situation, and put you back in control. Don't take unnecessary risks - contact me now and let's handle this the right way.

The fact is: scammers follow calculated patterns, using psychological pressure, fear, and manipulation to trap their victims and force them to pay. Understanding their tactics is the first step - but knowing exactly how to respond is what truly protects you. Every move you make can either weaken their grip or escalate the situation, and without a clear strategy, the risk of exposure increase.

That's where I come in. I've spent years analyzing these scams, identifying their weaknesses, and developing proven strategies to neutralize their threats. By working with me, you'll gain access to insider knowledge and proactive defense tactics that significantly reduce your risk and put you back in control.

Don't wait until the threats get worse - contact me now and take the first step toward shutting this down before it spirals any further.

Watch Out - Don't Fall for a Recovery Scam

On that note, please be skeptical of companies promising unrealistic results, such as: tracking down the scammer and finding their true identity, and/or having the scammers arrested and/or forcing the scammer to delete all your information, because none of these claims can be proven.

Watch out for companies charging outrageously high fees (example: $20,000 for same day service), or that charge higher amounts to 'get to your case sooner'. Pay extra attention to any company that uses fearmongering to make a sale, payment by credit card and the remainder by wire, or high interest rates to make the payment 'more affordable.' Stay vigilant against any company offering to 'upgrade your protection to another phase' even though they didn't solve your issue the first time.

Make sure you understand and read any contract before signing and be sure to understand how much it cost to cancel the contract. Also, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: before hiring a company to help with your problem, always verify company reviews and credentials using a trusted source.

That said, TrustPilot is notorious for fake reviews, so I recommend steering clear of that one. Instead, use the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research a company. The BBB has been around for over 100+ years and is the de facto-standard for this purpose.

Here's how to use the BBB: first, go to Google and type in the name of the company followed by BBB, then hit enter to search and see the results. Example search: "Analog Forensics BBB," where Analog Forensics is the name of the company. Once on the BBB page, make sure you click on the Complaints link, as this section will detail common issues you need to be aware of should you decide to hire the company.

Expert Help for Online Harassment Victims

When it comes to online blackmail, knowledge is power. Scammers thrive on fear, manipulation, and deception, using carefully crafted traps to force victims into paying. But you don't have to fall for their tricks - I can help.

With over 1,000+ sextortion and blackmail cases handled, I know exactly how this scam plays out - and more importantly, how to stop it. I'll give you insider knowledge on what to expect based on previous cases I've worked on, custom strategies tailored to your situation, and contingency plans to minimize your risk. Through phone and email consultation, I provide step-by-step guidance so you can walk away from this unscathed.

Sextortion and online harassment escalate fast, and every move you make matters. The wrong decision can make things worse, but the right strategy can shut it down before it spirals out of control. Don't wait until it's too late - contact me now and take back control.

Reminder: we are Better Business Bureau A+ Accredited with ZERO complaints. We have been online for over 24 years and have successfully helped over 1,000+ victims of sextortion and online blackmail. We have a proven proven track record of trust, reliability, and results - look at our BBB reviews here. Unlike other so-called "recovery" services that make false promises and exploit fear, we deliver real strategies that work. Contact me now and get expert guidance that matters most!

About the author: Dennis Faas is the CEO and owner of Infopackets.com. Since 2001, Dennis has dedicated his entire professional career helping others with technology-related issues with his unique style of writing in the form of questions-and-answers; click here to read all 2,000+ of Dennis' articles online this site. In 2014, Dennis shifted his focus to cyber crime mitigation, including technical support fraud and in 2019, online blackmail. Dennis has received many accolades during his tenure: click here to view Dennis' credentials online DennisFaas.com; click here to see Dennis' Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science (1999); click here to read an article written about Dennis by Alan Gardyne of Associate Programs (2003). And finally, click here to view a recommendation for Dennis' services from the University of Florida (dated 2006).