PanicStation.org
UK USA
us Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations sextortion message • explicit video blackmail • screenshot proof scam • threatened to leak nudes • intimate video threat • deepfake porn threat • someone says they have a video • extortion demand money • hacked webcam claim • porn site blackmail email • instagram sextortion • snapchat sextortion • dating app blackmail • online sexual extortion • nonconsensual intimate images • intimate image abuse threat • panic after sextortion • do not pay sextortion • report sextortion ic3 • take it down ncmec

What to do if…
you receive a message claiming there is an explicit video of you and you are sent a screenshot as “proof”

Short answer

Stop responding and do not pay or comply. Don’t delete anything in panic—secure your accounts, keep what you already have, and report it through official channels and the platform where it happened.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t pay, send more images, or agree to “verify” anything for them.
  • Don’t keep chatting to “buy time” (it usually increases pressure and demands).
  • Don’t click links, open attachments, or install apps they send.
  • Don’t post publicly about it or share their messages widely (it can spread your info and escalate harassment).
  • Don’t delete your accounts in panic (do account security first; consider temporary deactivation later if needed).
  • Don’t pay third-party “recovery/takedown” services that contact you out of the blue (scammers and predatory firms target victims after incidents).
  • Don’t assume the screenshot proves it’s real (screenshots can be faked, edited, or made from a lookalike/deepfake).

What to do now

  1. Stop contact immediately. Block the account/number everywhere. If they create new accounts, block those too.
  2. Do a quick account security reset (start with email).
    • Change your email password first, then your social accounts.
    • Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA).
    • Check “devices/sessions” and account recovery settings; remove anything unfamiliar.
  3. Keep a minimal record by not deleting what you already have.
    • Save the message thread, the username/handle/phone/email, and the screenshot they sent.
    • Write down the date/time and the platform/app used.
  4. Report through US channels (pick what fits).
    • File a report with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Keep your originals; IC3 typically has you type/paste details in (it generally does not take file attachments).
    • If you are a minor (or the images involve a minor), report to NCMEC CyberTipline.
    • If you’re being threatened with immediate harm or someone is trying to meet you in person: call 911.
  5. Report it on the platform and reduce visibility.
    • Use the app/site’s reporting tools for sextortion/blackmail and request removal of any posted content.
    • Tighten privacy: set accounts private, restrict DMs to contacts, review followers/friends, and remove unknown accounts.
  6. If you’re under 18 and worried an image/video may spread: use NCMEC Take It Down (a free service designed to help stop online sharing of certain explicit images/videos taken when you were under 18).
  7. If you’re feeling overwhelmed right now, add immediate support.
    • Tell one trusted person: “I’m being blackmailed online with a sexual threat. I don’t need advice yet—just help me stay calm while I lock accounts and report.”
    • If you feel panicked or unsafe, you can call or text 988 for immediate support in the USA.

What can wait

  • Figuring out whether the content is real, fake, or manipulated (your immediate steps stay the same).
  • Gathering lots of extra evidence or trying to investigate who they are.
  • Posting statements, warning others publicly, or engaging in “reputation management.”
  • Big decisions like deleting accounts, changing your number, or contacting your employer/school (do later, if needed, after reporting and securing accounts).

Important reassurance

These messages are designed to trigger shame and panic so you comply quickly. Being targeted does not mean you did anything wrong, and there are official routes to report it and get help.

Scope note

These are first steps to reduce harm and stop escalation. If threats continue or content is posted, you may want additional specialist support and takedown help.

Important note

This is general information, not legal or clinical advice. If you are under 18 (or the imagery involves someone under 18), treat it as a child-safety issue and use child-specific reporting/support routes. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Additional Resources
Support us