Happn Match Used My Photos to Blackmail Me
On June 24, 2026, at approximately 8:55 p.m., I met someone through the Happn app, and we later began communicating on WhatsApp. Within a short time, this person used my private and personal images to blackmail me. They claimed they had accessed information about my family members through a database and threatened to share both my personal images and my family’s information. They demanded approximately $315 from me, provided an IBAN account for payment, and threatened to send my private images to my family if I refused to pay. I did not make any payment.
The incident took place on the evening of June 24, 2026, at around 8:55 p.m. The individual repeatedly threatened me using my private photos and made statements that could seriously harm my relationships with my family and social circle. I had no communication with this person outside of WhatsApp, and I had never known them before this encounter. After the incident, I immediately deleted my Happn account, which was registered with the email address e*@icloud.com**.
I urge Happn to strengthen its security measures to better detect and prevent accounts that are used for blackmail, extortion, and other abusive behavior. The platform should proactively identify and permanently remove users who threaten and exploit others. I also request that, if law enforcement or other authorized authorities seek information about the account involved, Happn fully cooperate by preserving and providing any relevant records in accordance with applicable law. Finally, I ask Happn to improve its safety systems to help prevent other users from becoming victims of similar incidents.
