Facebook Messenger video call scam: what to do if recorded
Take a breath. This happens to a lot of people, it isn't your fault, and there are concrete steps that help.
Take a breath: this happens to a lot of people, it isn't your fault, and there are steps that help.
Don't pay, and don't send anything
Paying almost never ends it. It tells them you'll pay again. You don't need to upload anything to get help.
“We have recorded your entire video call. Look at this list of your Facebook friends. If you do not pay $1,200 right now, this video will be posted to all their walls.”
What to do now
Freeze and do not pay
Screenshot the messages and usernames, not the images. Don't save or forward any explicit photo. Never pay the extortionist; paying only prompts larger demands.
Lock down your Facebook friends list
Go to Facebook Settings > Privacy > "Who can see your friends list?" and change it immediately to "Only Me".
Enable timeline review
Turn on "Review posts you’re tagged in before the post appears on your profile" so no unauthorized tags can appear on your profile.
Report and block the account on Messenger
Tap their profile in Messenger > Report > "Sharing intimate images" and block them completely. Scammers often move on when you stop responding, but report it either way.
Emergency reporting and removal resources
Free, confidential crisis counselor, 24/7
Blocks sharing on participating platforms. Images stay on your device.
Free NCMEC service to remove images of minors.
Official federal cybercrime complaint center.
Write a DMCA notice for web hosts that won't remove the content.
Frequently asked questions
Can the blackmailer post the video directly to my Facebook profile?
No. As long as your timeline permissions are set to "Only Me" or "Friends", strangers cannot post directly to your wall, and timeline review catches attempted tags.
What should I do if a friend receives a message from them?
Tell your friend that a spam bot has been spoofing accounts and sending phishing links, and advise them to block and report the account without opening attachments.