PanicStation.org
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uk Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations threatened to share nudes • threatened to leak intimate photos • threatened to send images to my family • threatened to message my employer • sextortion threat • webcam blackmail • intimate images blackmail • revenge porn threat • non-consensual intimate images threat • threatened to expose me online • someone has my intimate images • online blackmail with photos • they demand money for nudes • they demand more images • deepfake nude threat • threatened to post on social media • panic after sextortion message • blackmailer has screenshots • they found my contacts • they claim they will ruin my life

What to do if…
someone claims they will send intimate images to your family, friends, or employer

Short answer

Stop engaging with them and get support immediately. Don’t pay or comply—focus on safety, saving basic proof, and using the right UK reporting and support routes.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t pay money, send gift cards/crypto, or agree to “one last thing” to make them stop.
  • Don’t negotiate, argue, or try to “prove” they won’t send anything.
  • Don’t wipe chats/accounts in a panic before saving the basics. (If you later want to delete things for your wellbeing, do it after you’ve saved key proof and secured your accounts.)
  • Don’t forward intimate images to anyone “for proof” or ask friends to view them.
  • Don’t hire random “takedown” or “hack back” services that contact the blackmailer for you.

What to do now

  1. Get to a steadier moment and reduce exposure. Put your phone down for 60 seconds, breathe, and move somewhere you can think. If you feel at risk of immediate harm from someone you know in person, call 999.
  2. Stop contact and block them on every channel. Block their accounts, numbers, emails, and any new accounts they use. If they keep reappearing, keep blocking—don’t “warn” them.
  3. Report the account on the app/platform (right away). Use the in-app report tools for harassment/blackmail/intimate images. If you see a report confirmation, save it.
  4. Preserve the essentials (light-touch). Take a few screenshots of the threat, their username/handle, and any payment demand or “send to your family/employer” message. Save profile links/URLs if you can. Then stop interacting.
  5. Secure your accounts. Change passwords for email and any accounts they contacted you on, turn on two-factor authentication, and review privacy settings (e.g., who can message you, see followers/friends, or find your contacts).
  6. Report it through UK routes (choose what fits):
    • If you are under 18 (or the images involve anyone under 18): make a report to CEOP Safety Centre as soon as you can.
    • If you are an adult and this is intimidation/blackmail: report to the police (101 for non-emergency; 999 if immediate danger). If calling feels too hard right now, many forces also have an online reporting route—keep any incident/reference number you’re given.
  7. Get specialist help that deals with this exact situation. Contact the Revenge Porn Helpline (UK) for support with threats, platform escalation, and takedown guidance.
  8. If the images are real and you have them available, consider a hashing tool. If you still have the image/video on your device and you’re safe to do so, StopNCII.org can create a digital fingerprint that may help block re-uploads on participating platforms (it won’t prevent sharing everywhere).
  9. If the threat targets work, protect your job without over-explaining. Consider a simple, calm message to HR or a trusted manager: “I’m being harassed/blackmailed online and someone may attempt to contact the company with fake or private material. Please don’t engage and route anything to HR.” Keep it brief; you don’t owe details.

What can wait

  • You don’t need to decide right now whether to “tell everyone” in advance.
  • You don’t need to write a long explanation, make public posts, or defend yourself online.
  • You don’t need to collect perfect evidence before reporting—basic details are enough to start.
  • You don’t need to identify the exact offence or “prove” anything to deserve help.

Important reassurance

This kind of threat is designed to trigger panic and rushed decisions. Feeling ashamed, scared, or frozen is a common reaction—and it does not mean you did anything wrong. You’re allowed to slow down and choose the safest next step.

Scope note

These are first steps only—focused on stabilising, reducing risk, and getting you to the right specialist support. Later decisions (legal, work, relationship, platform escalation) can be made with help when you’re calmer.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice or a substitute for professional support. If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If a child/minor is involved, prioritise child-protection reporting routes and specialist support.

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