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uk Work & employment crises customer threatens me online • client threatening messages • online harassment from customer • abusive client emails • social media threats at work • work-related online threats • client intimidation online • doxxed by a customer • review extortion threat • threatening dm from client • customer rage on socials • online stalking by client • client complaint threats • threats because of my job • unsafe client contact • public posts targeting me • employer support for threats

What to do if…
a customer or client starts threatening you online because of your job

Short answer

Stop engaging, save the evidence, and tell your employer now. If you think anyone is in immediate danger, call 999; otherwise report threatening/harassing messages via 101 or your local police online reporting.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t argue, “explain”, or negotiate in DMs, comments, or review replies.
  • Don’t delete messages/posts before you’ve captured them (you may lose evidence).
  • Don’t share personal details to “prove your side” (address, routine, workplace location, family info).
  • Don’t meet the person in real life to “clear it up”.
  • Don’t keep accepting direct contact from the same client once threats start (route it through work).

What to do now

  1. Decide whether this is an emergency.
    If you believe the person might act now, turn up, or harm you/someone else, call 999. If it’s threatening/harassing but not an immediate danger, call 101 or use your local police online reporting.

  2. Capture and preserve the evidence (before you block).
    Take screenshots showing the account name, exact wording, dates/times, and URLs. If it’s email, save the messages (including message details if available). Write a short timeline: what happened, when, and how it links to your work.

  3. Tell your employer in a “safety + record” way.
    Send the evidence and timeline to your line manager/HR (and security/reception if relevant). Ask for it to be logged as a workplace incident, and ask who is the named owner for next actions.

  4. Ask for immediate controls and a risk review (you’re not being “difficult”).
    Request changes that reduce risk now, for example: reassign the client, pause service/appointments, route all contact through a team inbox/phone line, remove your name from outward-facing comms where possible, adjust visits/front-desk duties, and brief reception/security. Ask for the organisation to review the violence/aggression risk for your role and put controls in place.

  5. Report it to the platform and reduce visibility.
    Use the platform’s report tools for threats/harassment and request removal. After saving evidence, mute/block as needed. Tighten privacy settings (who can message/tag you, who sees your profile info).

  6. If personal details were shared or threatened (doxxing), treat it as a safety issue.
    Tell your employer and police. Brief your household (or building reception) so unexpected visitors are handled safely. Ask work to protect your contact details in systems and public-facing pages.

  7. If they’re demanding something (“refund or I’ll ruin you”), don’t pay or bargain.
    Save the demand and keep your side quiet and factual. Let your organisation handle it through formal complaint/refund routes. If it involves a scam/hacking or money lost, also report it through the UK’s fraud/cybercrime reporting service (and keep police involved for any threats).

What can wait

  • Drafting a “perfect” public statement or reply.
  • Deciding whether to start a formal grievance, tribunal claim, or legal action.
  • Trying to investigate the person yourself online.
  • Big career decisions (quitting, changing roles) until the immediate risk is reduced and logged.

Important reassurance

Freezing, feeling embarrassed, or wanting to fix it fast is a normal stress response. A customer/client threatening you online is a workplace safety issue, and it’s reasonable to escalate and ask for protective changes.

Scope note

This is first-steps guidance to stabilise the situation and prevent escalation. Next steps may involve HR processes, police follow-up, or specialist advice depending on what was said and where it was posted.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. If you think you’re in immediate danger, call 999. If you’re being threatened or harassed, report it to the police and to your employer.

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