How to Deal with Sextortion

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What is Sextortion?

Extortion or blackmail using intimate images, commonly known as sextortion, occurs when criminals use fake identities to befriend victims online and persuade them to share sexually explicit images or videos, or to perform sexual acts on camera. Offenders then threaten to share the footage unless a ransom is paid.

Offenders target individuals of all genders and ages, typically focusing on vulnerability and ease of exploitation rather than financial means. Leverage may be financial, but more commonly involves threatening reputational harm, personal distress, or damage to relationships if material is disclosed.

“I can’t calm down. I wake up multiple times during the night, my heart feels like it’s going to explode, and I’m constantly overwhelmed by anxiety.”
Felix, 39 — Sextortion Victim
 
 

Immediate Steps to Take if You Are a Victim of Sextortion

In line with the National Crime Agency recommendations, we recommend:

1. Report It

  • Contact your local police station—they will take your case seriously and act confidentially.

  • If under 18, report to CEOP.

  • Notify your internet service provider—they can preserve any evidence from the communications or platform used by the criminal.

2. Cut Communications

Do not engage further with the criminals.

3. Do Not Pay

Paying often leads to further demands. Even if a payment is made, offenders may still post the content. If you have already paid, check to see if the money has been collected. If it has, and if you are able, then make a note of where it was collected from. If it hasn't, then you can cancel the payment - and the sooner you do that, the better.

4. Preserve Evidence

Take screenshots of all communications with the offender, including messages, emails, chat logs, or posts.

Record all relevant details, such as:

  • Username, user ID, or profile link

  • Platform used (e.g., Skype, WhatsApp, Zoom, social media)

  • Payment details (Western Union, MoneyGram MTCN, cryptocurrency, gift cards, etc.)

  • Any photos, videos, or files sent or received

Important: Some platforms display a username that is different from the user ID. Law enforcement often needs the user ID or unique identifier, not just the displayed name. Look for the numeric ID, profile link, or account handle depending on the platform.

Do not delete any messages, videos, or emails, even if they are distressing. Keep a backup in a secure location offline if possible. If the platform allows, export chat logs or download messages as a file. This ensures you have the complete conversation in a format that police can use.

5. Work With Platforms to Block Content

If you have a copy of the content, you may be able to block it being shared on some platforms by working with them in advance. For example, stopNCII.org may be able to help prevent images being shared on their partner platforms which include Facebook, TikTok and OnlyFans.

We want to better understand the impact of sextortion. Share your experience using our online form to help us protect future victims.

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Approaches to Managing Sextortion

1. Report and Work With the Police

Organised gangs are often behind sextortion. Police have tested procedures for handling these crimes.

2. Limit Criminal Access Online

  • Suspend (do not delete) Facebook or other social accounts to preserve evidence.

  • Monitor any other accounts which you might have linked in case the criminals try to contact you via one of those.

3. Get Videos Taken Down

Use online reporting processes on websites to remove content. The platforms can take it down and set up an alert in case the video resurfaces.

4. Consider Warning Friends and Family Against Viewing Content

  • Criminals may threaten to share explicit videos with your friends and family to pressure you into paying. You can consider sending a brief, neutral warning to those close to you—such as, “My account may have been hacked. Please do not click on any suspicious links or content that mentions me”—to protect them without revealing sensitive details. 

  • Avoid sharing any videos or messages from the offender

  • Follow police or specialist guidance to ensure you do not compromise evidence while keeping your network safe.

5. Provide Support to Victims

If the victim is a child, partner, or friend, stay calm and provide reassurance. Avoid watching the content or reading comments. If you are the victim, seek support from someone close or from specialist organisations.

6. Avoid Paying Ransom

  • Strongly discouraged. Paying increases the risk of repeated demands.

  • If paid, document all payment details.

  • If you have been asked for more money or to do more in front of a camera, then contact the police immediately.

Need more one-on-one support? Chat with our chatbot and, if you are eligible, request direct support from our cyber experts through our Helpline.

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Tips to Prevent Sextortion in the Future

1. Trust Your Instincts

If something feels wrong or too good to be true, end the conversation immediately.

2. Avoid Risky Situations

Never perform sexual acts on webcam, digital camera, or smartphone if there is a chance the content could be recorded or shared.

3. Be Careful Who You Connect With Online

  • Avoid friend requests from strangers.

  • Use a separate email for dating sites and avoid revealing personal details such as your full name.

4. Protect Your Privacy

  • Share minimal personal information online. 

  • Review your social media profiles and remove anything that can be used against you.

  • Review your social media privacy settings and strengthen account security.

 
 

About The Cyber Helpline

The Cyber Helpline is a non-profit organisation led by expert cybersecurity volunteers, dedicated to supporting victims of cybercrime, digital fraud, and online harm.

We provide a free 24/7 self-help service and a confidential helpline for individuals and sole traders. We help victims understand, contain, recover and learn from cyber attacks by linking them with cybersecurity technology & experts who provide relevant advice and guidance.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Sextortion is a type of cybercrime where criminals use fake identities to persuade someone to perform sexual acts online or share intimate images, then threaten to share the material unless a ransom is paid.
The Cyber Helpline is a not-for-profit organisation that provides free, confidential support to victims of cybercrime, including webcam blackmail (sextortion), cyberstalking, online fraud, harassment, and more. Our volunteer experts guide victims through reporting, securing evidence, and recovery.
We offer step-by-step advice on how to respond safely, including:
  • Preserving evidence
  • Reporting to police and online platforms
  • Preventing further harassment or content sharing
  • Guidance on next steps
Criminals obtain intimate images or videos through manipulation and coercion. They may pressure victims into sending explicit photos, performing sexual acts during video calls, or sharing pre-recorded content. Offenders use emotional pressure, fake romantic interest, or social engineering tactics to exploit victims. Some also use malware to secretly access webcams or devices without the victim's knowledge.
Do not respond or pay any money. Preserve all evidence (emails, screenshots, payment details) and report the incident to your local police.
Yes. Work with platforms to report the content and use services like stopNCII.org to prevent distribution. Police can also assist in preserving evidence and issuing takedown requests.
No. Paying often leads to repeated demands, and there's no guarantee criminals will delete the video. Report the crime to authorities immediately instead.
  • Do not share any explicit, intimate, or personal content via webcam, smartphone, messaging apps, social media, online chats, or other digital platforms that could be recorded or misused. This includes sexual acts, nudity, intimate photos or videos, private messages, or any personal information you wouldn't want publicly exposed.
  • Be cautious with strangers on social media or dating sites.
  • Keep personal information private.
  • Use strong security for your online accounts.
Yes, our helpline is confidential. Most police departments, CEOP, and reporting platforms also allow confidential or anonymous reporting while still providing you with guidance and support.