If someone is threatening you online, it can feel like your world is spinning out of control.
Whether they want to expose personal photos, spread lies, or ruin your reputation, you are not alone.
You are not helpless.
There are clear steps you can take to report blackmail online and protect yourself.
Key takeaways
Online blackmail uses threats to force payment, private photos, or silence.
Do not reply, do not negotiate, and do not pay.
Save evidence, report it, and request removals if content appears.
Clean up your digital footprint to reduce future risk.
You can recover your peace of mind with a simple plan.
What is online blackmail
Online blackmail happens when someone uses threats to get what they want.
It often starts on social media, dating apps, or email.
They claim to have something embarrassing and say they will share it unless you comply.
Common signs
Someone claims to have private or intimate images of you.
They threaten to send those images to your family, friends, or employer.
They demand payment through apps or cryptocurrency.
They claim to have hacked your account or device.
They send repeated messages and grow more aggressive.
If this sounds familiar, take a breath. You can act now.
Step by step, how to report blackmail online
1. Stop replying to the blackmailer
Do not explain or bargain. Any response gives them control.
Once you save the evidence, block them everywhere.
2. Save all messages and threats
Capture usernames, chats, emails, links, images, and payment requests.
Use screenshots or screen recordings.
Keep everything. You will need it for reports.
3. Report to the proper authorities
File a report with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
If the case involves a minor or explicit material, file at the CyberTipline at cybertipline.org.
For a full walkthrough, see our guide on reporting internet blackmail.
4. Report the account on the platform
Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook have abuse reporting tools.
This can remove the account and help others stay safe.
If false accusations or harmful posts appear on Facebook, read reporting slander on Facebook to the police.
If private photos were shared or threatened
Move fast.
File removal requests and limit exposure in search.
Learn how to remove images from Google search.
If the material was taken from a paid platform, see OnlyFans piracy and leaked videos.
If someone posted or threatened to post your nudes, use this plan: what to do if someone posts your nudes.
Clean up your online presence
After you report and the threats stop, protect yourself from future targeting.
Start with your digital footprint.
Many blackmailers find details on data broker sites.
These sites list your name, phone number, address, and relatives.
Remove that data to reduce risk.
Begin here
For a complete library, see data broker opt out guides.
How to know if you are being targeted again
If you think someone is watching your activity or searching your name, stay alert.
Read who has searched for me to spot warning signs.
Run a check on yourself with deep search yourself.
This shows what is already online and what to remove next.
If images or clips appear on unknown sites, try a reverse video search or a Google reverse image search.
Final thoughts
Online blackmail is personal and emotional. It is also a crime.
You can report it. You can remove content. You can protect your privacy.
Document everything. Report the blackmailer. Clean up your data.
For step by step help, visit NewReputation.
You will find guides on information removal, leaked photos, and digital footprint cleanup.
No one should hold your privacy hostage.
Take back control today.