Someone is threatening to share my pictures.
Stop. Breathe. You are not ruined. Sextortion is a crime committed against you. Trusting someone, flirting, being curious, or sending an image does not make the threats your fault.
Do not do these three things
- Do not pay. Payment rarely ends the demands and may mark you as someone who can be pressured again.
- Do not send more images or videos. Cooperation gives the person more leverage.
- Do not negotiate alone. Save evidence and bring in a trusted adult or professional support.
If you already paid or sent more: you can still stop now. You have not lost the right to help.
Take these steps in order
Do not wait to become calm enough. You can act while scared.
Save the evidence
Capture the profile, username, phone number, messages, threats, payment instructions, account links, dates, and platform. Do not keep forwarding the intimate image itself.
Tell a trusted adult now
Parent, guardian, counselor, teacher, coach, older relative, or another adult who can stay calm and help. Use the script below if speaking feels impossible.
Report the account and exploitation
Use the platform’s reporting tools. For exploitation involving a person under 18, NCMEC’s CyberTipline is a central U.S. reporting route.
Protect the image
If the image or video was made before you turned 18, Take It Down can create a digital fingerprint on your device. The image itself is not uploaded to NCMEC.
Block after evidence is saved
Do not keep arguing. Change passwords, turn on two-factor authentication, review followers, and tighten account privacy.
Get a step-by-step rescue plan
SextortionRescue.org has free reporting, evidence, and platform guidance designed for people in this exact situation.
A message you can copy
What if the image is fake or AI-generated?
The threat can still be abusive and serious. Save the evidence, report the account, tell a trusted adult, and use the same safety plan. You do not need to prove that the image is real before asking for help.
What if they know my school or family?
That is a reason to involve adults and report promptly, not a reason to pay. Tell the trusted adult exactly what identifying information the person has.