How do I report someone on Facebook for harassment or extortion? Step by step guide

Often on social media we generally accept requests from people we ne do not know really. In some cases because they are friends with our contacts or just because they seem nice. However, this poses a risk.

In what is considered digital violence, there are several types. Grooming , Phishing , sextortion, cyberbullying or cyberbullying in are part of. This type of situation, in extreme cases, is considered a crime in many countries.

However, the first step to avoid its continuity or that the aggressor does not incur this violence with other users is to report it. By doing this, we are collaborating with a healthier virtual community. In the event that you are not a victim, but are aware of this type of situation, you must notify the platform immediately .

How do complaints work on Facebook? Are they really effective?

The company has departments around the world known as OUs (User Operations). They analyze issues related to harassment, inappropriate content and user safety. These offices operate 24 hours a day, year round.

In addition to internal moderators, the company works in collaboration with agencies suicide prevention , a network of support for the LGBT community , Among others.

The most important thing to mention is that although complaints are not anonymous, since Facebook knows the complainant's information, it is never revealed to the other person involved . When writing the report, a moderator takes the case and reviews it. Depending on the severity of the breach, the offender may receive a warning to have their account suspended or deactivated.

In the event of multiple complaints, Facebook is likely to take tougher action . In either case, the offender can request a reconsideration of the grounds. Effectiveness of reports depend always the seriousness of the case , attached evidence and repetition of the offense.

Quick and easy steps to report harassment or bullying on Facebook

Harassment of a user should not be taken lightly. If you know of someone who is practicing this horrible practice or if you are a victim of it, you must follow these steps and not worry that your identity will be revealed:

Report Profile

• Enter the profile of the stalker. You can do this by clicking on their name, in the case of the cat, it appears at the top of it.
• At the bottom of the cover photo, next to the button "Message", there is another one with three horizontal dots. Click on it.
• In the displayed menu, choose "Search help or report profile."
• In the window that will appear, you must indicate the action closest to the case.
• Among the other options appears the one for "Block user" ou "Stop following".

Report an offensive message

If you see a post that reasonably offends you, encourages racism, xenophobia or any other type of hatred towards a group of people, or shows inappropriate content. You can flag a specific message. For it:

• Go to the message.
• In the upper right part of it, you will find the three dots. Click on it.
• In the displayed window, choose "Report the post or ask for help" .
• As with the profile, you must choose between the options that appear.
• If none of them match the situation, you can choose "Other" and describe what it is.

It is important to say that if you fall because there is imminent danger, you should notify the relevant authorities and not wait for the actions of the social network.

Report an offensive message via Messenger

These types of offenses require a few extra steps. To report a conversation, you must take a screenshot of the message in question. You can use the keyboard button "Print Screen" or the sequence "Windows key + Shift + S" in Windows 10. In the case of mobile, it will depend on the manufacturer.

On your computer, go to the icon Messenger :

• Press "See everything in Messenger".
• In the upper left corner, tap "settings" (symbolized by a gear).
• At the end of the list, click "There is a problem" .
• Choose one of the categories, the one that most closely resembles the problem.
• Describe the situation.
• Attach the screenshot to the clip.
• Press "Send comments" .
• Click on "Report the conversation" .

On Android, you need to follow these steps:

• In the Messenger app, open the conversation to report.
• Click on the person's name.
• In the options, choose "There is a problem" .
• Choose from the recommended categories.
• Then press "Send feedback".
• And to finish in "Report the conversation" .

This will alert the Facebook team to the problem. Please note that if the site rules have not been violated by the complainant, no action will be taken.

Report a fan page

If you come across a Facebook page that is breaking the site rules, you should follow these steps:

• On the fan page, select the three dots found on the cover.
• Select "Report page" .
• Choose from the options offered, what type of violation it is.
• Click on "following".
• Then "ready" .

Advice to Facebook for listening to your complaints of harassment or extortion on social networks

In theory, the simple fact of reporting a profile, a page or a message would be enough for Facebook to take action in the matter. However, to provide you with more tools and speed up the process, we can add all or part of these recommendations:

Present evidence

Whenever a dispute is opened, it is important that you have the proof . Screenshots are an essential weapon in corroborating offense reports.

Report as soon as possible

Do not wait any longer to do it. Keep in mind that the longer you wait, the more likely the stalker is to do the same with other users .

Ask other people to report too

The more of them, the better. Facebook will take into account the number of victims and whistleblowers. It will work faster. And depending on the severity, it can even eliminate the guilty user.

It is important to repeat that in severe cases where the immediate health of another nobody is in danger , we must not wait for Facebook's actions. Contact the police or the appropriate institution.

If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments, we will get back to you as soon as possible, and it will be a great help for more community members as well. Thank you!