Key takeaways
- Capture the whole context: the message, the sender’s profile and URL, the date and time.
- Keep a simple log of every incident; repetition is often what makes it harassment in law.
- Back up evidence outside the platform before blocking or reporting.
- Report to the platform and, for threats or repeated harassment, to the police.
Insults in your messages, a fake account in your name, threats under your posts, private photos shared: online harassment can follow you everywhere, all day. Platforms and the police can act, but they need evidence. The problem is that a cropped screenshot is easy to question and a deleted post disappears. Here is how to build a file that’s hard to dismiss.
1. Capture each message properly
- Take screenshots that show the message, the sender’s name or handle, and the date and time.
- Capture the sender’s profile and copy its URL or user ID: names can change, IDs rarely do.
- For posts and comments, copy the link to the post and capture it in its context (the post it answers).
- For voice messages or videos, save the file itself, not just a screenshot.
- Don’t crop or annotate the original; make a copy if you need to highlight something.
2. Keep a log
In many countries, harassment is defined by repetition and its effect on you. A log makes the pattern visible: date, time, platform, what happened, link to the screenshot, and how it affected you (fear, missed work, sleep). Keep it short and factual. Our guide /blog/how-to-write-a-factual-statement/ explains the tone to use.
3. Back up and protect the evidence
Save copies outside the app (on your device and in a backup) before you block, report or leave a group: once you do, you may lose access to the messages. Evidence is more credible when you can show it hasn’t been altered. Chameleon AI fingerprints each file when you add it, encrypts it on your device and keeps a chain of custody, so you can show the file is the one you saved (see /blog/digital-evidence-fingerprint-sha256-explained/).
In some countries, a bailiff or notary can certify online content (a “constat”). It costs money but is very hard to contest in court. Consider it for serious cases.
4. Protect yourself
- Make your accounts private, limit who can message or tag you, and filter comments with keywords.
- Block and mute, after saving the evidence.
- Change passwords and enable two-step verification if you think an account was accessed.
- Don’t respond to provocation: it fuels the harasser and can be used against you.
5. Report it
Report every account and post to the platform, using the harassment or impersonation categories. For threats, sharing of intimate images, doxxing (publishing your address) or harassment that continues, file a complaint with the police or your national cybercrime service, bringing your log and evidence (see /blog/how-to-report-an-online-scam/ and /blog/how-to-file-a-police-report/). If intimate images are involved, see /blog/sextortion-what-to-do/.
Take care of yourself
Online harassment is real violence, even if it happens through a screen. Tell people you trust, let someone else monitor your accounts for a while if it helps, and reach out to support organisations in your country.
Frequently asked questions
Are screenshots accepted as evidence?
Usually yes, especially combined with links, a log and the original files. Their weight increases when you can show they weren’t altered and when the platform or a certified record confirms them.
The harasser deleted the messages. Is it too late?
Not necessarily. Your screenshots still count, and the police can ask platforms for data, which they keep for a certain time. Report quickly.
What if I don’t know who is behind the account?
You can still report it. Platforms can suspend anonymous accounts, and the police can request identifying data through legal channels.
General information to help you get organised, not legal advice. Procedures and numbers can change: confirm them with the office concerned, and in danger call your local emergency number first.
