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uk Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations intimate photo link • nude photo link • explicit image link • revenge porn threat • image-based abuse threat • sextortion message • sexual blackmail link • blackmail scam intimate photo • deepfake nude threat • someone says they have nudes • threatening to share nudes • intimate images leak fear • fake porn of me link • link says its me nude • extortion demand after link • explicit content phishing link • hacked account nude claim • worried photo is real • intimate image takedown

What to do if…
you receive a link claiming to be an intimate photo of you and you fear it is real

Short answer

Do not click the link or engage with the sender. Save a minimal record of what happened, then block and use UK support/removal/reporting routes to reduce harm quickly.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t click, preview, or “just check” the link (it may be used to steal passwords, install malware, or escalate threats).
  • Don’t pay, send gift cards, or bargain (payment often leads to more demands and may not stop anything).
  • Don’t delete everything in a panic (keep enough evidence to report; avoid wiping chats/accounts immediately).
  • Don’t forward the link or image to friends “to confirm” (that can spread harm and put others at risk).
  • Don’t post about it publicly with identifying details (it can amplify the abuse and make takedown harder).

What to do now

  1. Stop the interaction and block.
    Don’t reply further. Block the account/number/email on the platform where they contacted you.

  2. Record the essentials (without opening the link).
    Screenshot the message(s), the sender’s profile/username, and the visible URL text. If the platform lets you copy the link without opening it, copy it into a note for reporting.

  3. If you already clicked the link, treat it as a security incident.
    Close the page. If you typed any passwords or codes, change those passwords from a different trusted device and enable 2-step verification on affected accounts. Run a reputable security scan if you have one available.

  4. Report it in-app, and use UK takedown support (even if you’re not sure it’s real).

    • Report the message/account on the app/site for harassment/extortion/intimate image abuse.
    • If an intimate image/video of you has been shared (or you’re worried it will be), consider StopNCII.org (adults) to help limit re-uploads on participating platforms. It does not stop sharing everywhere, and it generally does not apply inside encrypted messaging.
    • For free, confidential help with reporting and takedown requests, contact the Revenge Porn Helpline (UK adults).

  5. Use UK reporting routes if there are threats, demands, or ongoing harassment.

    • If you feel at immediate risk of harm, call 999.
    • Otherwise, you can report to your local police (often via 101 or online reporting).
    • If it’s online extortion/fraud, you can also use the UK Report Fraud sextortion guidance/reporting route. Keep it simple: stop contact, don’t pay, preserve evidence.

  6. If you are under 18 (or the image is from when you were under 18), use child-specific routes.
    Tell a trusted adult. You can also report to the CEOP Safety Centre. For help removing images, use Report Remove (Childline + IWF).

  7. Get support for the shock/spiral right now.
    If you feel unable to cope or unsafe with your thoughts, you can call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option (England), or follow NHS urgent mental health guidance. For someone to talk to right now, you can call Samaritans on 116 123.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide right now whether to make a full statement, pursue a case, or confront anyone.
  • You do not need to identify who did it today.
  • You do not need to search the internet for the image right now; that can be distressing and often isn’t the fastest route to takedown.

Important reassurance

Receiving a message like this can cause instant panic, nausea, and shame—those reactions are common. These threats are often designed to rush you into clicking, paying, or engaging; slowing down and using the right support routes is a strong first move.

Scope note

These are first steps only—focused on immediate safety, limiting spread, and getting you to the right specialist support. Later decisions (legal options, longer-term digital safety, ongoing harassment) may need tailored help.

Important note

This is general information, not legal or medical advice. If you are in immediate danger call 999. If you are under 18 (or the content involves someone under 18), use child-specific reporting/support routes promptly.

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