What to do if…
someone sends you a screenshot of your home address and demands you do something right now
Short answer
Don’t comply and don’t negotiate. Save evidence and treat it as a threat/scam; if you feel in immediate danger, call 911.
Do not do these things
- Don’t send money, gift cards, crypto, “verification” codes, photos, or personal documents to make them stop.
- Don’t click links or install apps they send, even if they say it’s “to prove you’re real.”
- Don’t share extra details (workplace, family info, travel plans, photos that show your home layout or street signs).
- Don’t keep the conversation going (it often escalates).
- Don’t post publicly about it in the moment (it can reveal more details and fuel impersonation or pile-on).
- Don’t go outside alone to “check” if someone’s there if you feel unsafe—stabilize first.
What to do now
-
Get to a safer pause (30–60 seconds).
If you’re home, lock doors and stay inside. If you’re out, move to a populated, staffed place. Keep your phone charged and with you. -
Decide if this is an emergency right now.
Call 911 if you believe there’s immediate risk (they claim they’re outside/on the way, you’re being followed, threats of violence, or you feel unsafe). If it’s not immediate danger, contact your local police department non-emergency line (or your department’s official online reporting if available) to document the threat. -
Preserve evidence before it disappears.
Screenshot the full conversation and any profile details (username/handle, phone/email, timestamps, payment instructions). Note what they demanded and any deadlines/threat wording. -
Stop the live pressure: block and report.
After saving evidence, use the platform’s report function and block/mute the sender. If they contact you on new accounts, don’t engage—keep saving and blocking. -
If money was demanded or sent, act fast with financial channels.
Contact your bank/card issuer immediately using the number on your card or official app. If you used a payment app, contact that app’s support right away. Ask about reversing/stopping transfers, securing accounts, and fraud monitoring. -
Make a quick account-safety move (only what’s needed right now).
If you clicked anything or they claim they “hacked you,” change your email password first, then enable two-factor authentication. Check major accounts for unfamiliar logins/devices and sign out of other sessions. -
Make a small, practical home-safety plan for tonight.
Tell anyone you live with. Agree not to open the door to unexpected visitors. If someone shows up, call police rather than confronting them. If you have a doorbell camera or security system, enable alerts and save any footage. -
Report the cyber-enabled extortion/scam through the right intake.
- File a report with the FBI’s IC3. To avoid lookalike sites, type ic3.gov directly into your browser rather than clicking ads or sponsored results.
- You can also report scams to the FTC via its official fraud reporting site.
What can wait
- You don’t need to figure out exactly how they got your address right now.
- You don’t need to contact everyone you know or make public posts.
- You don’t need to do a full privacy “clean-up” tonight.
- You don’t need to decide whether to pursue a longer investigation—document and stabilize first.
Important reassurance
This tactic is designed to create panic and force instant compliance. Addresses can be found through many ordinary channels (public records, old accounts, data brokers, leaks), so seeing your address doesn’t automatically mean the person is nearby or capable of harming you. Slowing it down, saving evidence, and bringing in official support is the safest response.
Scope note
These are immediate first steps to reduce harm and regain control. Longer-term actions (privacy removal requests, ongoing case follow-up, workplace/school safety coordination) can happen once you’re out of the urgent moment.
Important note
This is general information, not legal advice. If you feel unsafe, call 911. If you’re unsure whether it “counts,” you can still report and ask for guidance.
Additional Resources
- https://www.ic3.gov/
- https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber
- https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
- https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2020/04/scam-emails-demand-bitcoin-threaten-blackmail
- https://www.usa.gov/report-crime
- https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-ccips/reporting-computer-internet-related-or-intellectual-property-crime