A longer, day-by-day checklist is in Daily steps for sextortion. Helplines and platform reports are on Resources.
Do not give in to the demands
Do not pay. They will usually ask for more. Do not send more nudes or videos, including if that is what they demand from you as a woman. They will use extra files as more leverage. They will not stop because you complied.
Do not negotiate. There is no point. You cannot trust anything they say. The best next step is to cease all communication. Cut the channel if you can: block, disable, or delete the account they used to reach you.
Talk to people who can actually help
A website is not a substitute for a mental health professional. If you feel unable to stay safe, seek help now through emergency services or a local crisis line.
Tell someone you know and trust. Dealing with this alone is very hard. A person who cares about you can help you process what happened and reduce the isolation the blackmailer is counting on.
We recommend contacting local law enforcement. They may not be able to act quickly, and you may not need them later — but a report puts you on record if things get worse. This is general information, not a prediction about your case.
If you are under 18
Do not open an AntiNCII case. Do not email anyone the image. Use official child-protection routes:
- NCMEC Take It Down
- NCMEC CyberTipline
- Internet Watch Foundation
- Hotlines worldwide: INHOPE
- Local police and your national child-protection line — see Resources for minors
You are the person being exploited. Do not stay silent because you fear being blamed for sending images of yourself. We cannot promise how any police service will treat a report.
Reports and hashing (adults 18+)
In the United States you can file at ic3.gov. Still use in-app reporting on every platform where they contacted you.
If you still have the original photo or video, create an AntiNCII case. The file stays on your device. The browser makes a fingerprint (PDQ for photos, MD5 for videos). Participating platforms can use that fingerprint to try to catch matching uploads. Removal is never guaranteed. How that works: How will AntiNCII work?
UK, 18 or over: Revenge Porn Helpline. If you have reason to think the offender is in the Philippines, you can also try the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group e-complaint.
Beware of “recovery” scammers
These people exploit you at the worst moment. They promise they can “hack” the blackmailer’s device and delete the files. They cannot. They will take money and do nothing. Do not put your faith in a stranger on Instagram, Telegram, WhatsApp, or email who cold-contacts you after this happened.
A common red flag: they cannot message you first, so they ask you to start the chat or DM. Do not. If someone offers to “talk to your scammer,” “wipe the phone,” or “guarantee deletion” for a fee, walk away. Use platform reports, specialist helplines, and services you chose yourself, such as AntiNCII.
Do not hand over the scammer’s contact details
Do not give anyone the blackmailer’s username, number, or account — even if they promise to help. They may contact that person, obtain your images, and blackmail you a second time. That has happened. Keep proof for police and platform reports. Do not share those contacts with “helpers.”
FAQ
Should I pay?
No. A payment is a signal that more demands may work.
Should I send more images?
No. Extra files increase their leverage.
Should I keep talking?
No. Stop. Block new accounts as they appear. See daily steps.
Can AntiNCII wipe the internet?
No. Fingerprints may help against later matching uploads. You should still report in-app. Nothing here guarantees a takedown.