What to do right now
If you are facing an immediate physical threat, call 911 right away1. For online extortion, pause contact immediately and do not reply or send money1.
Giving in to financial demands or sending additional images gives the person more leverage and does not guarantee they will stop1. Take action to preserve evidence on a device they cannot access [2, 5].
- Pause contact completely and do not send money or more photos1.
- Save screenshots of the threats, account names, handle links, and message histories if it is safe [2, 4].
- Use platform reporting tools to report the profile and threat1.
- Reach out to a trusted person or support resource using a secure device [2, 5].
Words you can use to ask for help
Reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or campus authority can help you navigate the situation safely1. You do not have to handle extortion alone1.
You do not need to show or forward intimate images to prove what is happening1.
- "Someone is threatening to share my image. I need help with the next step."1
- "I am dealing with online harassment and need support setting up my privacy settings." [2, 5]
Actions to take versus what to avoid
Knowing how to respond immediately protects your safety and helps prevent further financial or emotional exploitation1.
| Action | What to do | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | Pause contact and stop replying1. | Do not negotiate, argue, or attempt to bargain1. |
| Demands | Refuse payments and keep your money safe1. | Do not send money, gift cards, or additional photos1. |
| Documentation | Take clear screenshots of messages and profile URLs [2, 4]. | Do not delete the messages before capturing evidence [2, 4]. |
| Reporting | Flag the account using built-in platform reporting tools1. | Do not forward intimate photos to friends to prove the threat1. |
Why pausing contact works better than paying
Extortion relies on urgency and fear1. Paying someone who threatens you reveals that the tactic works, which often leads to larger demands rather than the removal of the photo1.
Stopping communication cuts off their immediate control1. Remember that having shared an image in the past never gives anyone the right to threaten, exploit, or harass you1.
If you already sent money or replied
If you already paid or replied, stop all contact right now1. Having sent money in the past does not mean you are required to keep responding or pay again1.
Document all transactions, account handles, and message histories if safe to do so [2, 4]. Use reporting tools on the platform where the contact happened and seek support from trusted resources [2, 5].
Sources
Written by Surefoot from the sources listed and reviewed before publishing. It is education, not medical or legal advice. If someone is in danger now, call 911.
Last updated October 13, 2026.