The most important things
Don't pay. Don't send anything more. Stop replying, but don't delete the conversation. Report the account, then get help. If you're under 18, tell a trusted adult or contact Childline (0800 1111). You won't be in trouble.
What is sextortion?
Most financial sextortion is carried out by organised criminal gangs working from a script. They usually use fake profiles of attractive young people, build trust quickly, often within hours, push for explicit photos or a video call, then immediately show you a screenshot of your contacts or followers and demand money. Young men and teenage boys are the most targeted group.
It can also happen in relationships, where an ex or partner threatens to share images to control you. See sexting after a breakup.
Step by step: what to do now
Don't pay, and don't send more
Paying almost never ends it. Criminals who are paid usually come back for more, because they now know you will pay. Sending more images gives them more leverage.
Stop all contact
Don't argue, negotiate or plead. Just stop replying. You can deactivate (not delete) your social media accounts temporarily so they can't see or message your followers.
Keep the evidence
Screenshot the chat, their profile, username or number, any payment details they gave you, and the threats. Note the dates. Don't delete the conversation. Police may need it.
Report and block
Report the account to the platform for sextortion or blackmail, then block it. Platforms act fast on these reports, and often find the same criminals targeting other people.
Stop the images spreading
Adults can use StopNCII.org. Under-18s can use Report Remove (UK) or Take It Down. These create a digital fingerprint of the image on your own device, so platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit and OnlyFans can block it from being posted. The image itself never leaves your phone.
Report it to the police
Sextortion is blackmail, and police take it seriously. In the UK call 101 (999 if you're in danger) or report through Report Fraud if you've lost money. Elsewhere, see the list below.
Talk to someone
This is frightening, and it can feel like the end of the world. It isn't. Many thousands of people have been through this and come out the other side. Talk to someone you trust, or a helpline.
If you're feeling hopeless
Sextortion criminals deliberately create panic. If you're having thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out now. In the UK call Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7). In the US call or text 988. In Australia call Lifeline on 13 11 14. In Ireland call Samaritans on 116 123. You are not alone, and this can be fixed.
Will they really share my images?
In many financial sextortion cases, criminals move on to easier targets once they realise you won't pay. There's no guarantee, but paying doesn't make it less likely and often makes things worse. If they do share an image, the platforms, StopNCII and the police can help remove it, and the people who see it will usually recognise what has happened: you are the victim of a crime.
Should I warn my friends and family?
It can take away the criminal's power. A short message like "Someone is trying to blackmail me with fake or private images. If you get anything from an account you don't know, please don't open it, delete it and tell me" means any message they send lands on people who are ready for it.
Where to report
| Country | Report to |
|---|---|
| UK | Police on 101 (Police Scotland 101) · Report Fraud 0300 123 2040 (England, Wales and NI) · Revenge Porn Helpline 0345 6000 459 · Under 18: CEOP and Childline 0800 1111 |
| Ireland | An Garda Síochána · Hotline.ie |
| USA | FBI at tips.fbi.gov or 1-800-CALL-FBI · NCMEC CyberTipline for under-18s |
| Canada | Local police · Cybertip.ca · Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre |
| Australia | eSafety Commissioner · ACCCE (under-18s) · Police on 131 444 |
| New Zealand | Netsafe 0508 638 723 · Police on 105 |
| South Africa | SAPS · Film and Publication Board |
How to avoid sextortion
- Be very wary of anyone who gets sexual within hours of matching or messaging
- Video call before sending anything, and be suspicious of "broken cameras"
- Never send images that include your face along with nudity to someone you haven't met
- Keep your social media private, and hide your followers and friends lists
- Be suspicious if a "new match" is very attractive, very keen and asks to move to another app straight away
More: how to spot a catfish.
Need help right now?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 (UK), 112 (Ireland/EU), 911 (US/Canada) or 000 (Australia).
- Images shared or threatened (adults, UK): Revenge Porn Helpline, revengepornhelpline.org.uk or 0345 6000 459
- Stop images spreading (worldwide, adults): StopNCII.org
- Under 18: Childline's Report Remove tool at childline.org.uk or call 0800 1111. Outside the UK: Take It Down
- More countries and services: see our help and support directory