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UK
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USA
What to do if…
someone asks you to send a photo of your ID during a sexual conversation
Short answer
Pause the conversation and do not send a photo of your passport, driving licence, or other ID. A demand for an ID photo before sexual chatting continues is a serious warning sign; use only the platform’s built-in tools, or end contact.
Do not do these things
- Do not send a photo of your passport, driving licence, student card, workplace ID, or any document with your name, photo, address, date of birth, or document number.
- Do not send a selfie holding your ID, even if the person says it is only to prove you are over 18.
- Do not pay money, buy gift cards, send more photos, or follow new demands if threats start.
- Do not keep negotiating while you feel rushed, guilty, scared, or watched.
- Do not move to a private messaging app just because they say the platform is too strict.
- Do not delete your account in a panic if you may need the chat history later; deactivate rather than delete if you need a break from the account.
- Do not screenshot, save, forward, or share intimate images or sexual content if the other person may be under 18 or you are unsure of their age.
What to do now
- Stop the sexual chat and make a pause. You can send one short message such as: “I do not share ID photos. Use the app’s verification tools.” Then stop replying.
- Do not share any more identifying details. Do not give your full name, address, school, workplace, phone number, email address, social media handles, or photos showing your home, uniform, documents, or location.
- Use only the platform’s built-in safety tools. If the app has age or identity verification, use the app’s official process, not a direct message, external link, email address, or private upload requested by the person.
- Block and report the account on the platform. Report that they asked for an ID photo in a sexual-chat context, especially if they pressured you, threatened you, or asked to move off-platform.
- If threats or demands start, treat it as possible sextortion. Stop communication, do not pay, and do not send anything else. If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If it is not an emergency, you can contact police on 101 or report through your local police force.
- If you are under 18, or worried a child is being targeted, use CEOP. CEOP is for concerns about online sexual abuse, grooming, or worrying sexual communication involving children and young people.
- If you already sent ID or think it may be used for fraud, use Report Fraud. Report Fraud is for cyber crime and fraud in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. If you live in Scotland, or the incident happened there, contact Police Scotland on 101.
- If you may report later, preserve only the basics. Keep the username, profile link, platform name, date, ID request, threats, and payment demands if you can do so safely. Do not collect “perfect evidence”, and do not screenshot intimate images or sexual content involving a child or anyone whose age is uncertain.
What can wait
- You do not need to decide right now whether to make a formal police report.
- You do not need to prove your age to this person.
- You do not need to work out whether they are definitely a scammer before blocking or reporting.
- You do not need to explain yourself, apologise, or persuade them to be reasonable.
- You do not need to review the whole chat tonight; do the minimum needed to stop contact and protect your ID.
Important reassurance
Feeling embarrassed, panicked, or frozen is a common reaction to sudden sexual pressure and identity demands. You are allowed to stop the conversation, protect your documents, and use official reporting routes without debating it with the person.
Scope note
These are first steps only. Later decisions about police reporting, identity protection, safeguarding, or specialist support may need help from the platform, police, CEOP, Report Fraud, or another appropriate support service.
Important note
This is general information, not legal, medical, financial, therapeutic, or professional advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Additional Resources
About this guide
This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.