Sextortion: what to do right now

Short answer

Do not pay, and do not send more images or money of any kind. Preserve the evidence, cut contact, and report it through the channels below, this happens to many people and it is not your fault.

If someone is threatening to share intimate images or videos of you unless you pay or send more, you need a clear plan, not shame. This is a common and well-understood crime. Here is exactly what to do, in order. This is not legal advice, contact local law enforcement or a support organization for guidance specific to your situation.

Don't pay, and don't send more

Paying does not make it stop. In most documented cases, paying leads to more demands, not fewer, because it confirms the threat works. Sending additional images or money only gives the person more material and more leverage.

Preserve the evidence

Take screenshots of every message, profile, and threat, including usernames and any account or payment details they've given you
Do not delete the conversation, even though the instinct to erase it is strong
Note the platform, date, and time of first contact
Save any images or files they've sent you as proof, without sharing them further yourself

Cut contact and lock down your accounts

Stop responding to the person making the threats
Block them across every platform where they've contacted you
Change passwords on your accounts and enable two-factor authentication
Check your privacy settings and consider temporarily locking down public profiles

Report it

Report the account to the platform it happened on immediately
In the US, report to the FBI's IC3 (ic3.gov) and, if you're a minor or know a minor involved, the NCMEC CyberTipline (report.cybertip.org)
Contact local law enforcement, sextortion is a crime in most jurisdictions
The StopNCII.org tool can help prevent further spread of an image across participating platforms without you having to send the image to anyone directly

You are not the one who did something wrong

This crime relies on shame keeping people silent and paying. It happens to people of every age and background, and it's not a reflection of poor judgment. Reporting it and telling someone you trust reduces the power the threat has over you.

Do this now

Do not pay or send anything further
Screenshot everything before blocking
Block the account across all platforms
Change passwords and enable two-factor authentication
Report to the platform and to IC3.gov or local police
Use StopNCII.org if an image has already been shared or threatened

FAQ

Will paying make them stop?+

No, in most documented cases it leads to more demands. Paying confirms the threat is effective and gives no guarantee anything is deleted.

Should I delete my accounts?+

Not immediately. Deleting accounts can destroy evidence you'll need for reporting. Lock down privacy settings and change passwords instead, and only delete accounts after you've preserved screenshots.

Is this actually a crime?+

Yes, in most countries and US states, sextortion is a criminal offense. Local law enforcement and organizations like the FBI's IC3 handle these reports regularly.

What if the person is a minor or I know a minor being targeted?+

Report immediately to the NCMEC CyberTipline (report.cybertip.org), which is built specifically for cases involving minors, alongside local law enforcement.

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