Snapchat Extortion Help: What to Do If You’re Being Blackmailed on Snapchat

Snapchat blackmail, also known as sextortion or cyber extortion on Snapchat, occurs when someone threatens to share private photos, videos, or information about you unless you meet their demands. Snapchat blackmailers typically demand money, additional intimate content, or other favors, exploiting Snapchat’s seemingly private and ephemeral nature. If you are being blackmailed on Snapchat, you’re not alone—and there are concrete steps you can take to protect yourself.

If someone is blackmailing you on Snapchat, cease all communication with the perpetrator, preserve evidence, report the blackmailer to Snapchat and law enforcement, and tell someone you trust.

The most important thing to remember is that this is not your fault. Snapchat blackmailers are criminals who deliberately manipulate and prey on victims’ fear and embarrassment. Many blackmailers give up when they realize you won’t pay or cooperate, and their threats are often empty.

At Minc Law, our attorneys have extensive experience handling Snapchat blackmail cases, particularly for young adults and teenagers. We can help you navigate this difficult situation, communicate with the blackmailer on your behalf, work to remove any shared content, and coordinate with law enforcement to hold the perpetrator accountable.

In this guide, we’ll explain how Snapchat blackmail typically works, the most effective ways to respond, and how to get the specialized help you need to put this experience behind you.

What is Snapchat Extortion?

Snapchat extortion is a serious crime that occurs when someone threatens to expose your private information, photos, or videos unless you meet their demands, which are usually monetary.

Why is Snapchat a Popular Platform for Blackmailers?

Snapchat offers several appealing features for extortionists and blackmailers. The platform is very popular with younger demographics, providing a large number of potential victims.

Unlike on other social media apps, photos and messages on Snapchat disappear shortly after viewing. Due to this ephemeral quality, users often feel more comfortable sharing explicit content with strangers. Since messages disappear, it can be more difficult for victims to save evidence of the blackmail.

However, blackmailers can easily use alternative tools to record and save copies of Snapchat messages, while unsuspecting victims are unlikely to try and save evidence until it is too late. Snapchat also makes it easy to create anonymous accounts with fake information, making the platform an ideal medium for scammers.

Should I Pay the Blackmailer?

No, you should never pay a Snapchat blackmailer. Paying demonstrates to the blackmailer that their tactics are effective, which typically leads to continued and escalating demands rather than resolution. When blackmailers see you’re willing to pay once, they recognize you as a responsive target and will likely return with additional threats and higher demands.

If you’ve already paid, don’t be discouraged—many people do so in moments of fear and panic. However, it’s crucial to stop payments immediately. Each transaction signals your vulnerability and willingness to comply.

What Should I Do First If I’m Being Extorted on Snapchat?

When you’re being blackmailed, it’s normal to feel scared, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do. Your first instinct may be to try to reason with the blackmailer or comply with their demands to make the threat go away. However, giving in will often make the situation worse.

Instead, your first priority should be to document everything that’s happened. Preserving evidence is critical to building a case against the blackmailer and preventing them from following through on their threats.

Here are the steps to preserve evidence of Snapchat extortion:

1. Take screenshots of all messages and snaps the blackmailer has sent you. Make sure to capture their username, any demands they’ve made, and the content they’re threatening to expose.
2. If they sent you any revealing photos or videos, save those files in a secure location.
3. Write down the full username of the account that contacted you and any other identifying details you noticed, like the name or photo on their profile. Note the date and time of each interaction.
4. If you sent the blackmailer any money or content, keep records of those transactions as well.

Once you have documented as much evidence as possible, stop all further contact with the blackmailer. Do not try to plead, argue, or negotiate with them, as this will likely encourage them to keep pushing you. Resist the urge to send more content or delete anything they sent you, as this could make it harder to get help.

How Do I Report Blackmail and Get Help on Snapchat?

After preserving evidence, your next step is to report the extortion to Snapchat. Reporting the blackmailer’s account is important for two reasons: It allows Snapchat to investigate and ban the user so they can’t keep harassing you or anyone else. It also creates an official record that can help your case if you need to involve the police later.

Here’s how to report blackmail or extortion on Snapchat:

1. Go to the chat with the user who is blackmailing you. Tap and hold on their name until a menu pops up.
2. Tap “Manage Friendship” and then tap “Report.”
3. Select the reason for your report that best fits the situation, like “Pressured me to send photos/videos” or “Shared content I didn’t want shared.”
4. Provide any additional details about the extortion situation and hit submit.
5. After reporting, go into your settings and make sure to block the blackmailer so they can’t keep contacting you.

You can also submit a separate report to Snapchat outside the app by going to https://support.snapchat.com/a/report-abuse. Including screenshots of the blackmail threats here can help Snapchat’s team investigate quicker.

Along with reporting the blackmailer, you should go into your Snapchat settings and tighten up your privacy.

• Set your account to private so that only approved friends can contact you.
• Turn on two-factor authentication to make it harder for anyone to hack your account.
• Use the “Who can…” settings to control who can see your story, location, and more.

Taking these steps will prevent the blackmailer or any suspicious accounts from further accessing your information as you resolve the situation. The most important rule of thumb when interacting with others online is to refrain from adding or communicating with anyone you do not know.

Should I Go to the Police About Snapchat Extortion?

In addition to reporting the Snapchat user, you should also strongly consider filing a report with your local police department, especially if the extortionist has access to sensitive content, is demanding large sums of money, or is making threats of violence.

We know it can be scary to get authorities involved. You may be worried about getting in trouble or blamed for the situation. But blackmail is a serious crime and you are the victim, not the one at fault. The police understand this and are there to help you, not judge you.

When you make a police report about Snapchat sextortion, here’s what you can expect:

• You’ll sit down with an officer who will ask you details about the extortion, like when it started, what the blackmailer said, and if you know anything about who they are. If you saved screenshots and other records, you can provide copies to the police as evidence.
• The police will create an official incident report documenting the crime. Be sure to write down your report number in case you need to reference it later.
• From there, a detective may be assigned to investigate further. They can try to identify the blackmailer by sending legal requests to Snapchat or tracing any payments. If the perpetrator is located, police will decide whether they have enough evidence to make an arrest or press charges.
• Even if an arrest isn’t made right away, having the police report on file is important. It means there’s an official legal record in case the blackmailer tries to contact you again or share your content illegally. You can also use the report to get the content taken down if it’s posted online.

Reporting Snapchat Blackmail to the IC3

In addition to local police, report Snapchat blackmail to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). This federal resource specializes in internet crimes and helps track patterns across jurisdictions, which is crucial since many blackmailers operate internationally.

To file with the IC3:

1. Visit www.ic3.gov
2. Click “File a Complaint”
3. Complete the questionnaire with detailed information
4. Include evidence like screenshots and payment information

While you may not receive an immediate response, your report contributes to the larger effort against these crimes. The IC3 can coordinate with international law enforcement when necessary and may contact you if your case connects to larger patterns.

How Can a Lawyer Help With Snapchat Extortion?

Navigating the legal side of Snapchat extortion can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to handle it on your own. That’s why it’s often helpful to consult with an attorney who specializes in these types of cases.

Some key ways an attorney can assist with your Snapchat extortion case include:

• Providing guidance on documenting evidence correctly to build a strong case
• Filing thorough reports with Snapchat and other social media companies involved
• Drafting a persuasive police report and liaising with detectives to spur the investigation
• Sending legal takedown requests to websites that published your private content, if applicable
• Obtaining subpoenas to identify extorters hiding behind fake accounts
• Securing restraining orders to prevent the blackmailer from further harassing you
• Exploring civil lawsuits to sue the perpetrator for damages and hold them accountable
• Advising how to handle any fallout from content that was exposed

Having an experienced blackmail attorney by your side can be invaluable in shutting down the extorter and ensuring you’re taking the right steps to seek justice and start healing.

How Can I Cope with the Stress and Trauma of Blackmail on Snapchat?

The stress and emotional impact of Snapchat extortion can be severe. Even after the blackmailer is dealt with legally, feelings of anxiety, fear, betrayal, and shame can linger.

Some healthy coping tips include:

• Reach out to a trusted friend or family member who can offer a listening ear
• Seek out communal resources where others have shared their experiences dealing with sextortion. One resource we recommend checking out is the sextortion community Reddit thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/Sextortion/.
• Consider seeing a therapist who can help you process the experience
• Practice self-care through exercise, hobbies, meditation, or other relaxing activities
• Set boundaries with anyone pressuring you to share details before you’re ready
• Write in a journal to express pent-up feelings and reframe negative self-talk
• Take a step back from social media and try to disconnect from your online presence
• Focus on the facts: The shame isn’t yours and you’re taking steps to take back control

If you’re having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, know that you matter and your life has value beyond this experience. Reach out for help immediately. You can contact these free and confidential support hotlines 24/7:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

You can also consult with your doctor or visit https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov to find mental health services and support groups in your area.

How Can I Protect Myself from Snapchat Extortion in the Future?

If you’ve experienced Snapchat blackmail, you may be feeling hesitant to use social media or trust new people online. These are valid and understandable feelings after such a jarring violation.

As you move forward, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of extortion and help you feel safer on Snapchat and beyond. Here are some key tips:

Be selective about who you add as a friend or contact. Don’t accept requests from accounts you don’t recognize or that have few prior posts and followers.

Be cautious about sharing intimate photos or videos digitally. It’s completely normal to want to explore connections with new people and form new relationships. But it’s important to understand that any explicit content shared online comes with risks.

Even if you trust your partner, relationships can change. A private picture can easily become blackmail material in the wrong hands. If you do decide to share personal content, don’t include your face or identifying features like tattoos. Avoid storing sensitive files on your phone or laptop.

Can I Get My Money Back After Paying a Snapchat Blackmailer?

If you’ve already paid a Snapchat blackmailer, you may be able to recover your funds by acting quickly:

• If you transferred money from a bank account, contact your bank immediately to report the fraud and request assistance.
• If you used a money transfer service, you may be able to cancel the transaction if you act promptly.

These links provide information on how to cancel money transfers for services commonly used by blackmailers:

• Cash App
• MoneyGram
• PayPal
• Remitly
• Venmo
• Western Union
• WorldRemit
• Zelle

For cryptocurrency payments (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.), recovery is more difficult, but report the transaction to law enforcement as they sometimes can trace these payments.

In all cases, file a police report as soon as possible. This creates an official record of the crime and may be necessary when working with financial institutions to recover your funds.

You’re Not Alone In Your Fight Against Snapchat Extortion – We Can Help

Snapchat extortion is a devastating crime that can leave you feeling violated, fearful, and unsure of where to turn. But by taking the actions outlined here, you can start to take back control from the blackmailer and work towards justice and healing.

You don’t have to go through this scary experience by yourself. Our experienced internet lawyers are here to listen to your story, explain your options, and fight for your rights.