New Delhi: With the growing use of WhatsApp for personal and professional communication, cases of online blackmail have surged.
Cybercriminals often exploit private conversations, photos, or videos to extort money or favours. If you ever find yourself in such a situation, experts advise taking swift and smart action instead of panicking.
First, do not give in to demands. Paying or complying only encourages further harassment. Instead, block the blackmailer immediately to stop further communication. Next, preserve all evidence — screenshots of chats, call logs, and any payment requests. These records are crucial for filing a complaint.
WhatsApp offers a built-in feature to report the contact. Go to the chat, click on the profile, and select “Report”. This alerts WhatsApp and helps in disabling the offender’s account. Additionally, enable two-step verification to secure your account from hacking attempts.
The most important step is to approach law enforcement. File a complaint with the local cybercrime cell or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in). Sharing complete details, including phone numbers and evidence, speeds up the investigation.
Experts also warn against sharing personal information or sensitive content online. Always verify unknown contacts and avoid clicking suspicious links. Remember, timely reporting can prevent financial loss and protect your privacy.