NCCIA: fake profiles and online blackmail are crimes - report them on 1799

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) said on 18 October 2026 that creating fake social media profiles of women, leaking their personal data or pictures, and blackmailing them online are punishable cybercrimes. The agency asked people not to stay silent and to report online harassment, fake profiles, misuse of private images and blackmail through its helpline 1799, together with their evidence.

How these cases usually start

• A profile appears with your name and photos, often taken from your own account, and starts adding your family or friends.
• A stranger becomes friendly, then asks for pictures or a video call, and later threatens to share them.
• Someone gets hold of private pictures or chats and demands money, more pictures or a meeting, and sets a deadline.

Many people pay or stay quiet because they feel ashamed or scared. Paying rarely ends it: once a blackmailer knows you will pay, the demands usually come back.

Keep the evidence before you block

Before blocking or deleting anything, take screenshots of the fake profile with its link or username, the chats, the threats and any account or wallet number the person asked you to pay into. Write down the dates. NCCIA asks for this evidence with the complaint.

Then report the fake profile to the platform as well. Facebook, Instagram and TikTok all have a report option for accounts that pretend to be you or someone you know.

You are not the one in the wrong

The person who makes a fake profile or threatens to leak pictures is committing the crime. You can call NCCIA on 1799, and you can also contact LWF-CSC for free, confidential help with the complaint.