How To Deal With Snapchat Blackmail
Snapchat blackmail is when someone threatens to post your private Snapchat pics/videos (or share them with others) if you do not pay them money, send more snaps, or comply with some demand.
The blackmailer usually uses the disappearing photo/video feature on Snapchat to figure nobody would ever have evidence of what was sent and may record the content on another device, or visibly use the “screenshot” feature to increase the victim’s fear.
What to Do if Blackmailed on Snapchat?
1. Document the Evidence
Keep records of everything:
Take screenshots - Capture screenshots of all threatening messages. This documents what they are demanding.
Save media files - If they send any photos/videos of you, save these files immediately.
Note the username - Take down their exact Snapchat username. This will aid in investigating and/or reporting the blackmailer.
Keep chat history - Save a record of any previous chat history with this person.
2. Report the User on Snapchat
There is a way to report abusive users on Snapchat in the application. Below is the full process of reporting a blackmailing account.
· Open your chat with the user.
· Tap their name at the top of the screen.
· Scroll down to the bottom and click Report to make a report on them.
· Choose what kind of abuse to report them for. Extortion/blackmail is a serious violation of Snapchat guidelines. If reports are made, an account may be banned.
3. Review Your Privacy Settings
Check your Snapchat account is locked down now Blackmailers want slacker privacy settings to exploit.
Open Snapchat’s Settings > Privacy menu. Make sure you:
Only allow messages from My Friends
Disable Quick Add which allows anyone to add you easily
Turn off Snap Map location sharing
Restrict Stories visibility to My Friends
4. Get Advice or Talk to a Trusted Adult
Being blackmailed is isolating. The shame and fear might induce you to hide what you’re going through. Reaching out to someone you trust for help - whether it’s an attorney, parent, teacher, counselor, religious leader, mentor, etc. - is crucial.
5. Contact the Police
Blackmail is a crime. Report what is happening to local police. Provide them with documented proof and the Snapchat handle.
If the blackmail is sexual and you are underage - make that clear to the police. Law enforcement will aggressively attack this more serious type of child exploitation crime, in which the sharing or possessing of sexual images of minors occur.
6. Consult an Extortion Attorney
An Anti-Blackmail Attorney may offer legal strategies which increase your chance of having private and sensitive information stay confidential. The Anti-Extortion Law Firm specializes in guiding victims of blackmail and extortion to safe-harbor.
Why Do Blackmailers Go After Snapchat?
There are a few key reasons Snapchat is an ideal platform for blackmailers:
Disappearing content - Photos and videos typically disappear after being viewed on Snapchat. This allows the sender to feel secure when sending content knowing that it will not be shared permanently. Of course, the recipient can just screenshot or screen-record the media without the sender knowing.
Older demographics - Snapchat is not widely used by older people. Younger individuals were more likely to post controversial material without considering the consequences. Blackmailers know they can exploit the young age.
Intimacy factor - Applications like Snapchat make messaging feel more intimate and personal. You cannot message someone unless you are connected. This intimacy can cause people to share things they otherwise would not.
Misplaced sense of security - Snapchat marketing pitch around transient sharing. But nothing we do in digital is really temporary. This creates misleading sense of safety when sharing sensitive media. Senders often do not realize that content can be saved.
What Not to Do if You Are Blackmailed on Snapchat
When blackmailed on Snapchat (or any social platform) it is only natural to feel afraid and anxious. But it's crucial not to:
· Provide the blackmailer with any other photos or videos. This will only embolden their abusive demands.
· Give in or pay money. Payment does not mean they’ll make it stop. Data shows that in over 93% of extortion cases, complying with demands only increases the threat. It is likely the blackmailer will ask for increasingly exorbitant amounts.
· Do not continue communications until you speak with a blackmail professional. The blackmailer will continue to increase threats in an order to have you comply.
· Restrict your security settings. Ensure that your Snapchat account is as secure as possible using the Snapchat Privacy settings.
Being blackmailed on Snapchat or on any platform is traumatic but there are steps you can take to initiate your own protective measures. The Anti-Extortion Law Firm specializes in guiding victims of blackmail and extortion through blackmail situations. If you are a victim of blackmail, contact us now.
