In 2015, a group of Italian researchers studied 10 million Instagram accounts. They found that 8% of them behaved like spam bots. Instagram has remained one of the leading social platforms for reported scams, especially online blackmail. We have created a guide for users to understand how to respond and report blackmail on Instagram if targeted.
What to Do If You’re Being Blackmailed on Instagram
Learning how to report blackmail on Instagram is important. However, there will be a waiting period before any action takes place. During that time, your actions need to be carefully thought out and executed.
One of the most important rules to remember if you’re being blackmailed on Instagram is to never comply with the scammer’s demands. This applies whether the blackmailer contacted you directly or gained access after your Instagram account was hacked. A 2025 report from Digital Forensic Corp. found that giving in to the perpetrator’s demands is largely ineffective in ending the blackmail. In fact, the report finds that it can actually encourage the criminal to target you even more aggressively.
Instead, you should collect and preserve evidence for further investigation from law enforcement or cybercrime experts.
Report Blackmail or Extortion on Instagram: Step by Step
Many victims don’t report blackmail or extortion threats on Instagram out of embarrassment or shame. However, reporting online blackmail is one of the best ways to combat the crime. Instagram expects users to report blackmail and any other behavior that goes against the platform’s community standards. There are three types of reporting on Instagram: profiles, posts, and messages.
Reporting a Post
When you see a post that you believe goes against the community guidelines, notifying the platform administrators is always a good idea. To report a post on Instagram, click the three dots in the corner of the post. Then, select “Report”. You can report a post for the following reasons:
- You just don’t like it
- Bullying or unwanted contact
- Violence, hate, or exploitation
- Selling or promoting restricted items
- Nudity or sexually explicit content
- Scam or fraud
- False information
- Self-harm or injury
- Intellectual property
Using the Instagram Report Blackmail Tool on a Profile
Scammers will use their Instagram profiles to target multiple potential victims. Reporting their account is a great way to get it removed from the platform anonymously.
To report an account, you have to visit the profile. Then, click on the three dots or lines next to their username. Select “Report” and then “Something about this account”. From there, three options will appear:
- Posting content that shouldn’t be on the platform. A menu of options appears that are similar to the options for reporting a post. Select the option that best fits your situation.
- Pretending to be someone else. You can report a profile for impersonating your account, someone you follow, a celebrity or public figure, or a business or organization. Keep in mind that you will have to find and select the real account that is being impersonated.
- Being a child under the age of 13. Instagram requires every user to be at least 13 years old. This option will lead you to a form that can be used to report a particular account for being underage.
Reporting Extortion via Direct Messages (DMs)
Any messages threatening blackmail should be reported to Instagram. After submitting a report, either an automation tool or a moderation team will review your recent messages. If any message is found inappropriate for the platform, the team will take action.
To report blackmail on Instagram via messages, click on the three dots next to a message for menu options to pop up. On mobile, you can press and hold a message. Then, select “Report.”
Checking the status of your reports
Instagram allows users to check the status of their reports using the “Support Requests” feature in the Instagram app. You can see when Instagram makes a decision based on your report. However, this feature is only available in the mobile app.
To check the status of your reports, go to “Help.” Then, select “Support Requests.”
How Instagram Handles Blackmail, Extortion, and Online Scams
Meta is taking a proactive approach to fighting scammers on Instagram. Using detection technology, Meta combs through the platform to find and remove fake accounts. In May 2024, 63,000 accounts were removed after being linked to Nigerian scammers who blackmailed online users with intimate images.
Protective Features on Instagram
Instagram has introduced new privacy settings over the years to help users protect themselves from blackmail or extortion scams. Here are some key settings that are worth looking over.
Make your account private
- Go to settings and click on “Account Privacy”
- Make sure “Private Account” is turned on.
Limit who can message you
- Go to settings and select “Messages and Story Replies”
- Change who can send you message requests from “Everyone” to “Your Followers” or “No One”.
- Switch who can send you group message requests from “Everyone” to “People You Follow”.
Two-Factor Authentication
- Go to settings and click on “Account Center.”
- Select “Password and Security” and then “Two-Factor Authentication.”
- Set up how you will get login codes every time you sign in.
Hide your activity status
- Go to settings and select “Messages and Story Replies.”
- Click on “Show Activity Status” and turn it off.
- Click on “Show Read Receipts” and make sure it is off.
Report Blackmail on Instagram to Law Enforcement and Get Help
Understanding how to report blackmail on Instagram is only the beginning. Next, you should notify law enforcement. Your local police can help you file an official report. Some departments also have a cybercrime unit for investigating online blackmail and bringing the perpetrator to justice.
However, your local law enforcement’s authority has many limitations. For one, the police only have jurisdiction over their local counties and states. They also can’t always pursue online perpetrators who are hiding behind anonymity.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
On the other hand, the IC3, a national center for reporting cybercrime, is not limited to local jurisdiction. The FBI has authority nationwide. They even have connections with law enforcement agencies in different countries. Reporting to the IC3 also helps the FBI track cybercrime trends across the country. You can file a report at your local field office or by visiting the IC3 website.
What Happens After You Report Blackmail on Instagram?
Reporting blackmail on Instagram is an important first step, but it is not enough to stop the threat on its own. After you submit your report, Instagram’s support team reviews the account, post, or message to see if it violates Community Standards. Some cases are handled automatically, while others require a human moderator. This causes variance in the time it takes to handle these cases.
Instagram does not reveal who submitted a report, and keep your identity confidential while the reported content or account is reviewed. There is no set timetable for how quickly Instagram completes a review. Some cases are reviewed and flagged quickly by automatic moderators, while more complex reports may require additional human oversight. You can check your “Support Requests” for updates on the progression of your report.
While waiting for Instagram to review your report, avoid responding to the blackmailer and continue preserving new threats or attempts to contact you. If Instagram confirms a violation occurred, it may remove the content, restrict certain features, or suspend the account. However, action isn’t guaranteed, especially if your digital evidence is limited. That’s why it’s important to document usernames, messages, and timestamps from the interaction.
If the harassment continues despite your report, don’t rely solely on Instagram’s tools. Persistent threats, extortion attempts, or sharing of intimate images should also be reported to law enforcement. This includes your local police and national protection agencies. In addition, consider working with digital forensics professionals who can help preserve evidence, identify patterns, and support any legal steps you choose to take.
What if Instagram doesn’t remove the account after I report it?
While Instagram continues to take measures to improve the security of the platform, not every violation gets caught. If Instagram doesn’t take action against the blackmailer, continue to document any threatening interactions and file additional reports when needed. You should also notify the appropriate law enforcement agencies and consult reputable professionals who can help you preserve evidence and understand your next steps.
What should You do if the blackmailer creates a new Instagram account
Blackmailers may create new accounts after being blocked to continue contacting you or increase the perceived pressure. Instead of responding, document any new accounts that threaten you and report them to the proper authorities. Keep a detailed record of repeated attempts, including messages and timestamps to help investigators understand the pattern.
Cross‑Platform Contact Attempts After Being Blocked
Blackmailers often move to other platforms to continue their attack, especially after being reported or blocked on Instagram. They may use information from your profile or linked accounts to connect with you through email, messaging apps, or other social media platforms. If you are contacted outside of Instagram, do not respond. Instead, save evidence and report each new attempt. Digital forensics professionals may be able to help you analyze cross-platform activity to connect the attempts back to the perpetrator.
Get Expert Help From Digital Forensics Corp.
And if you want expert guidance when facing blackmail, contact our team at Digital Forensic Corp. We have cybercrime specialists who are well-versed in responding effectively to blackmail while prioritizing the protection of a victim’s privacy. Dealing with online blackmail alone can be overwhelming. But with the right resources and support, the situation can become much more manageable. If you don’t know how to deal with Instagram sextortion or blackmail, you can reach our DFC blackmail hotline anytime — it’s available 24/7.
FAQ
Can I report blackmail if I already blocked the Instagram account?
Blocking an account does not prevent you from reporting it. In fact, the platform presents you the option to do both at the same time. However, it’s important to save evidence before blocking, as this can delete the interactions between you and the blackmailer. Make sure to document account details and any threatening messages before blocking.
Can Instagram remove intimate images used for blackmail?
Instagram can remove any non-consensual intimate images or any content used for extortion. In fact, the TAKE IT DOWN Act requires online platforms to remove NCII abuse within 48 hours of being informed. Victims should report the shared content as soon as possible and include any relevant evidence connected to the threat. After reporting, continue to monitor for additional instances of exposure and consider utilizing content management tools.
Should I delete my Instagram account if I’m being blackmailed?
Deleting your account may help disrupt the blackmailer’s ability to reach you, but it should not be your first step. Doing so too early can erase evidence and impede investigators’ ability to support your efforts. Instead, focus on trying to secure all of your accounts first. Update your passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and increase your privacy settings before making any major changes.
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Dr. Viktor Sobiecki
Currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Digital Forensics Corporation, where responsibilities span the leadership of advanced cybersecurity initiatives, data breach incident responses, and corporate strategic planning.
