PanicStation.org
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us Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations threatened to post nudes • threat to share intimate images • sextortion threat • revenge porn threat • blackmail with explicit photos • intimate images leaked threat • doxxing with explicit content • using my name and handles • threatened to tag my accounts • threatened to expose me online • coercion with sexual images • deepfake porn threat • nude leak blackmail • explicit video leak threat • online sexual harassment threat • threatened to send to contacts • someone says they have my nudes • threatened to post on social media

What to do if…
someone claims they will post explicit content about you using your name and social media handles

Short answer

Don’t negotiate or pay. Save evidence, lock down your accounts, and report the threat through platforms and appropriate support/law-enforcement channels—starting with urgent safety first.

Do not do these things

  • Do not pay, send gift cards/crypto, or send more images to “make it stop” (demands often escalate).
  • Do not keep bargaining once you’ve captured enough evidence to report.
  • Do not click links, open files, or install apps they send (could be account takeover/malware).
  • Do not post public “call-outs” while panicked (it can amplify the threat and expose more identifiers).
  • Do not wipe your messages immediately if you may want to report later (you may need them as proof).
  • Do not assume the threat is fake—treat it as real until you’ve reported and secured your accounts.

What to do now

  1. Get to a safer pause. If you feel in immediate physical danger, are being stalked, or the threat includes violence, call 911 right away.
  2. Document the threat clearly (then stop engaging). Screenshot the messages showing the account name/handle, profile link, timestamps, the explicit threat, and any demand. Save any payment details they sent. After that, mute/block (once you have what you need).
  3. Harden your social accounts quickly (containment first).
    • Switch profiles to private where possible.
    • Restrict tagging/mentions, comments, and DMs from non-contacts.
    • Remove public phone/email; limit who can find you by number/email.
    • Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) and change passwords if you suspect compromise.
    • Sign out of other sessions/devices and remove any suspicious connected apps/services (where the platform provides this).
  4. Report the account and messages on every platform involved. Use categories like blackmail, non-consensual intimate imagery, sexual exploitation, or harassment. Save any confirmation/reference numbers from reports.
  5. Get specialist support for image-based abuse. Use the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (CCRI) Safety Center (and its Image Abuse Helpline, if you want to talk to someone) for help navigating options and support resources if you feel overwhelmed or unsure what to do next.
  6. Report to the right place (you can do more than one).
    • If there is immediate danger: call 911 first (or contact your local police department).
    • For cyber-enabled extortion/scams: file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
    • If you’re under 18 (or the images were taken when you were under 18): report to NCMEC’s CyberTipline.
    • You can also contact the FBI about sextortion via tips.fbi.gov or a local FBI field office.
    • Optional (consumer reporting): you can report intimate-image abuse concerns to the FTC.
  7. If you were under 18 when the content was made: use NCMEC “Take It Down” to help get nude/sexually explicit images removed from online platforms that participate.
  8. Use a “do-not-share” protection tool if you have the image/video. If the threat involves content you possess (or can safely access), consider StopNCII.org to create a digital fingerprint that participating platforms can use to detect and block re-uploads.

(Optional, only if you may want to report later: keep the screenshots and links somewhere safe. If the account disappears, those records can still help.)

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide right now whether to go public, confront them, or “explain” to everyone.
  • You do not need to hunt for the person’s real identity tonight.
  • You do not need to do a full search of the internet for copies right now (it’s distressing and not a first-step priority).
  • You do not need to draft messages to friends/employer immediately—containment and reporting come first.

Important reassurance

Threats like this are designed to create panic and urgency. Feeling frozen, nauseated, ashamed, or frantic is a normal stress response—and it does not mean you’ve done anything wrong. You can regain control by slowing down and taking the smallest effective steps: document, secure, report, and get support.

Scope note

These are first steps to reduce immediate harm and keep options open. Later decisions (legal actions, longer-term safety planning, broader removal strategy) are best made after you’ve stabilized, ideally with specialist support.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. You’re allowed to choose what you do next—nothing here requires you to report if you’re not ready.

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