Can I threaten someone if they have cheated me?
The short answer
In its 2019 statement, Facebook rejected threats of violence on its platforms, including Instagram. This text names a target and promises physical violence. Adding that you are upset does not remove that meaning.
What this answer is based onWhat to do
Remove the threat entirely. Explain what was agreed, what happened and what resolution you want. Do not post the maker’s address or send followers to find them.
- Read the text for promises to hit someone, turn up to hurt them or cause other physical harm.
- Replace the threat with verifiable facts: the order date, agreed deadline and outstanding work. Keep private details out of the post.
- State what you want without intimidation. Keep the agreement and messages to support a complaint about the dispute itself.
The situation
You order a shop sign, but the maker misses the deadline and stops replying. You tag their profile in Stories: “I know where you work. I’ll come tomorrow and break your arms.” A minute later you add: “I’m just upset.”
The situation and an improvement
“I’ll come tomorrow and break your arms. I know where to find you.”
“The sign was due on Monday and is still unfinished. Please let me know by Friday when it will be ready or what refund you can offer.” Use only the actual terms of your order.
One more example
Someone threatens you, and you want to share the messages
After an argument, someone sends you a threat. You plan to publish the entire screenshot, including your home address, so followers can see what happened.
What to do
Keep the original message privately for reporting. If you share the incident, explain that it is a threat you received and remove private details. If there is immediate danger, contact local emergency services rather than waiting for the platform to respond.
What this answer is based on
Meta Newsroom — Protecting Our Community from Abuse on Instagramabout.fb.comFacebook — 2019 statement against threats of violenceGuide based on Meta’s materialReview details
Source reviewed:
We read the official source listed for this topic. Other Meta rules are reviewed separately.
Primary source reread: . This does not mean every supplementary source, translation or app screen was rechecked.
On 21 October 2026, we reread the company’s 2019 statement against threats of violence and Instagram’s 2021 article on bullying and abuse controls. These historical explanations do not constitute a review of the full current violence policy, its criteria or exceptions.
Material published: August 11, 2021
Include the guide link, language and wording that needs checking. Add an official source link if you have one. Do not send passwords, login codes or photos of identity documents.
Examples are made up to explain the guidance. Meta decides individual account and content cases.
Study this topicSee less, limit contact or report?Sources and related topicsPolicy Graph · Demo in development