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

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

Short answer

Stop responding and don’t pay or comply. Save basic proof, lock down your accounts, and report through U.S. channels that handle this.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t pay money, send gift cards/crypto, or comply “just once” to make it stop.
  • Don’t negotiate, threaten back, or try to “outsmart” them in chat.
  • 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 friends “for advice” or ask others to view them.
  • Don’t pay “reputation cleanup/takedown” companies that promise to contact the extorter for you.

What to do now

  1. Get to a safer, steadier moment first. If you feel in immediate physical danger or someone is actively trying to locate you, call 911.
  2. Stop contact and block them everywhere. Block the account/number/email. If they create new accounts, keep blocking—no replies, no explanations.
  3. Report the account on the app/platform (right away). Use in-app reporting for harassment/blackmail/intimate images. Save any report confirmation or case number the platform shows you.
  4. Preserve the essentials (quickly). Take a few screenshots showing the threat, the username/handle, and any demand. Save profile links/URLs if available. Then stop engaging.
  5. Secure your accounts. Change passwords for email and any accounts they contacted you on, turn on two-factor authentication, and review privacy settings (who can message you, see followers/friends, or find your contacts).
  6. Report it using U.S. reporting routes:
    • File a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
    • You can also submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov. For certain major cases, you may also call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324).
    • Consider reporting to local law enforcement too, especially if you know the person, there’s stalking/harassment, or your workplace is being targeted (911 if immediate danger; otherwise your local non-emergency number).
    • If you are under 18 (or the images involve anyone under 18), make a report to NCMEC CyberTipline.
  7. Use the right removal tool for your situation (optional):
    • If the images involve someone under 18 (including self-taken): use Take It Down (NCMEC) to create a digital fingerprint (hash) that participating platforms can use to help detect/remove the content.
    • If you are an adult and the images are real: consider StopNCII.org to create a hash that can help block re-uploads on participating platforms (it won’t stop sharing everywhere).
  8. If you’re spiraling or can’t get grounded, get immediate emotional support. Call/text/chat 988 (it’s for emotional distress and crisis support; you don’t have to be suicidal to reach out).
  9. If the threat targets work, protect your job without over-explaining. Consider a short note 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.

What can wait

  • You don’t need to decide right now whether to tell everyone pre-emptively.
  • You don’t need to write long explanations, argue online, or make public posts.
  • You don’t need to “collect everything perfectly” before reporting—basic proof is enough to start.
  • You don’t need to figure out which law applies in your state before getting help.

Important reassurance

Extorters aim to trigger panic, shame, and rushed decisions. Feeling frozen, embarrassed, or terrified is a normal response to coercion. You can take back control by slowing down, stopping contact, and using the right support and reporting routes.

Scope note

These are first steps only—focused on immediate harm-reduction and support. Later choices (platform escalation, workplace communication, legal steps) can be made with help once you’re steadier.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice or a substitute for professional help. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If a minor is involved, prioritize NCMEC/CyberTipline and child-safety reporting.

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