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How to File 𝟭-𝟯𝟴𝟱-𝟯𝟰𝟰-𝟯𝟯𝟰𝟰 Facebook Harassment Complaint: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to File a Facebook Harassment Complaint: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Chhaya DeiPublished 8 months ago 3 min read
How to File 𝟭-𝟯𝟴𝟱-𝟯𝟰𝟰-𝟯𝟯𝟰𝟰
Facebook Harassment Complaint: A Step-by-Step Guide
Photo by Deeksha Pahariya on Unsplash

If you’re experiencing harassment on Facebook—such as bullying, threats, hate speech, or unwanted contact—it’s crucial to report it immediately. Facebook takes harassment seriously and offers tools to protect users. Below is a guide to filing a complaint, blocking harassers, and safeguarding your account.

What Qualifies as Harassment on Facebook?

Facebook defines harassment as:

Repeated unwanted messages or tags.

Threats of violence or harm.

Hate speech targeting race, religion, gender, etc.

Sexual harassment or explicit content.

Impersonation or fake accounts.

Doxing (sharing private information without consent).

How to Report Harassment on Facebook

1. Report a Post, Comment, or Message

On Desktop or Mobile:

Navigate to the harassing post, comment, or message.

Click the three dots (⋯) or arrow next to the content.

Select Report post/comment/message.

Choose Harassment or Bullying as the reason.

Add details (optional) and submit.

For Messages in Messenger:

Open the conversation.

Tap the person’s name → Report → Follow prompts.

2. Report a Profile

Go to the harasser’s profile.

Click three dots (⋯) → Report.

Select Report Profile → Harassment or bullying.

Submit and add context if prompted.

3. Report a Fake Account

Visit the fake profile.

Click three dots (⋯) → Report.

Choose Pretending to Be Someone → Me or Someone Else.

Follow prompts to submit evidence (e.g., your real profile link).

Additional Steps to Protect Yourself

1. Block the Harasser

Go to their profile → three dots (⋯) → Block.

They can no longer message you, tag you, or see your profile.

2. Adjust Privacy Settings

Go to Settings & Privacy → Privacy Shortcuts.

Restrict who can:

Send you friend requests.

See your posts/friends list.

Tag you in content.

3. Document Evidence

Take screenshots of harassing content (Facebook may remove it during review).

Save message logs or URLs to share with authorities if needed.

4. Use Facebook’s Support Inbox

Check updates on your report:

Desktop: Click the question mark icon (?) → Support Inbox.

Mobile: Menu (☰) → Help & Support → Support Inbox.

If Facebook Doesn’t Respond or Act

Escalate the Complaint:

Submit a follow-up report via Meta Support.

For severe cases (e.g., threats), use the Legal Request Form:

Facebook Law Enforcement Portal.

Contact Local Authorities:

If harassment involves threats or illegal activity, file a police report.

FAQs About Facebook Harassment

Q1: How long does Facebook take to respond to harassment reports?

Typically 24–48 hours, but complex cases may take longer.

Q2: Will the harasser know I reported them?

No—reports are anonymous.

Q3: What if someone creates a fake account to harass me?

Report the profile as “pretending to be someone” and provide proof of your identity.

Q4: Can I delete harassing messages after reporting?

Yes, but screenshot them first for evidence.

Q5: How do I stop someone from contacting me without blocking them?

Go to Settings → Privacy → Blocking and add their name to the Restricted List.

Proactive Tips to Avoid Harassment

Enable Two-Factor Authentication to prevent hacking.

Avoid sharing personal details publicly.

Use Message Filters in Messenger to block unknown senders.

Final Thoughts

Facebook provides robust tools to combat harassment, but persistence is key. Always document evidence, report violations promptly, and adjust your privacy settings to stay safe. If the platform’s response is inadequate, don’t hesitate to involve legal authorities. Your safety and peace of mind matter most.

Need urgent help? Visit Facebook’s Bullying Prevention Hub for resources.

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