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uk Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations sextortion • intimate images blackmail • threatened to share nudes • threatened to leak photos • pay money or they post • online sexual blackmail • webcam blackmail • extortion over images • sent intimate photo mistake • deepfake nude threat • scammer has my contacts • instagram sextortion • snapchat sextortion • dating app blackmail • worried family will see • stop paying now • preserve messages evidence • report abusive account • under 18 image threat • someone is blackmailing me

What to do if…
someone threatens to share intimate images unless you send money

Short answer

Do not pay, and stop engaging with the person. Save the basics (the threat, usernames, payment details) and get support—this is blackmail, and you are not to blame.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t pay “just this once” to make it go away (it often leads to more demands).
  • Don’t bargain, argue, or send more images/information to “prove” anything.
  • Don’t delete the chat/account history in a panic before saving the essentials.
  • Don’t click links they send or install anything they suggest.
  • Don’t copy, forward, or re-share any explicit images—especially if there’s any chance someone shown is under 18.

What to do now

  1. Make a quick “evidence bundle” (2–5 minutes, then stop).
    Save: the account/profile name, the exact threat, the demand, any payment details (bank account/handles), and timestamps. If you take screenshots, focus on the threat/demand/payment details and avoid capturing/redistributing explicit images.
  2. Stop the pressure loop: stop replying, then block and report the account.
    Use the in-app reporting tools (look for options like blackmail/extortion or intimate image abuse). Blocking is fine after you’ve saved the basics.
  3. If you already paid, stop paying and contact your bank/payment provider immediately.
    Tell them you are being blackmailed and ask about: stopping further transfers, securing your account/cards, and recording it as fraud/blackmail (without assuming they can recover funds).
  4. Lock down your accounts so they can’t escalate.
    Change passwords for your email and the app(s) involved, enable 2-step verification, and check recovery email/phone settings haven’t been changed. If your email is compromised, secure that first.
  5. Use a “do-not-share” tool if you have the image(s) on your device.
    If you can access the intimate image(s) locally, consider using StopNCII.org to create a hash so participating platforms can help detect/block re-uploads (without uploading the image itself).
  6. Get specialist, confidential support.
    If you’re 18+, contact the Revenge Porn Helpline for practical help (including takedown support). If you’re under 18, use the under-18 route in the next step.
  7. If you are under 18 (or there’s any chance someone shown is under 18): switch to child-safety reporting immediately.
    Do not share/forward the image(s). If you have a trusted adult, ask them to help you report to police. If you don’t, you can report to the NCA CEOP Safety Centre. You can also use Report Remove (Childline + Internet Watch Foundation) to help remove images that have been shared or might be shared.
  8. Report it to the right UK route for sextortion/blackmail.
    • If you feel in immediate danger, call 999.
    • Otherwise, report to your local police by calling 101.
    • You can also make a report via Report Fraud (the national fraud/cyber reporting service). If you live in Scotland, follow Police Scotland guidance (typically report via 101).

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide right now whether to tell employers, friends, or family.
  • You do not need to write a long explanation or keep “proving” things to the blackmailer.
  • You do not need to pay for “reputation management” or paid takedown services in the first hours.
  • You do not need to monitor social media nonstop—make a plan with support instead.

Important reassurance

This tactic is designed to trigger panic and rushed decisions. Many people freeze or comply at first—none of that makes this your fault. The safest immediate move is to stop the money and stop the conversation, then use proper reporting and support channels.

Scope note

These are first steps to stabilise the situation and reduce escalation. Longer-term choices (ongoing safety, disclosure, legal options, wider clean-up) can be made later with specialist support.

Important note

This is general information, not legal or clinical advice. If you are under 18 (or unsure), avoid copying/sharing any explicit material and use child-safety reporting/support routes. If you feel unsafe right now, call 999.

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