Sextortion
What it is (1-liner)
Blackmail using private images/videos or chats to demand more images or money.
Red flags (top 5)
Sudden flattery → fast push to move to DMs or a private app.
They ask for sexual images fast, then flip to threats.
"Pay now or we'll send this to your friends/family/school."
Demands gift cards/crypto, or wants your phone number "for verification."
Brand-new account, mismatched photos, or refuses a live video check.
Do this now (60-second checklist)
Stop replying. Don't pay. Don't send more.
Screenshot everything (usernames, handles, payment requests).
Block the account, but don't delete the chat.
Report to the platform and law enforcement (links below).
Tell a trusted adult/friend. Set a 24-hour check-in.
Report & takedown
U.S. reporting (all ages): File with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Under 18 (images taken when you were a minor): Use NCMEC's Take It Down to remove/stop sharing.
18+ intimate images: Use StopNCII.org to create a hash and prevent re-uploads.
Mental health & immediate safety
You are not alone, and this is not your fault. If you feel panicked or at risk of self-harm: Call/Text 988 or start a 988 chat.
Prefer texting? Text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line, 24/7).
Sexual-violence support: RAINN Hotline 800-656-HOPE (4673) (phone or chat).
LGBTQ+ youth can also call/text/chat The Trevor Project 24/7.
Scripts you can copy
Victim to extorter: "I will not pay or send more. I'm saving messages, reporting to the platform and law enforcement."
Parent/guardian to youth: "I'm glad you told me. I'm not taking your phone away. We'll report this and get it taken down."
Friend to victim: "I'm here. Let's screenshot, block, report, and do a check-in tomorrow."
Lock down & recover (quick steps)
Change passwords on all accounts; enable 2FA (authenticator app).
Make socials private, limit DMs to followers/friends.
Review followers; remove unknowns.
Check linked apps/sessions; log out of others.
Platform-specific steps
Instagram: Report blackmail/extortion in-app ("Report" near the content) and follow IG's sextortion guidance.
Discord: Report the message → choose category; Discord has zero-tolerance for grooming/sextortion.
Printable Quick Card (1-page content)
Don't reply. Don't pay. Don't send more. Save screenshots → Block (don't delete chat) → Report (App + IC3) → Under 18: Take It Down. 18+: StopNCII.org. → Need help now? 988 • Text HOME to 741741 • 800-656-HOPE
FAQs
Should I pay to make it stop? No—payment fuels more demands.
They have my contacts—will they share? Often threats are bluffs; act fast on reporting and takedowns.
Can platforms really remove content? Many do, especially with Take It Down/StopNCII hashes.
Do I need a police report? Not required to start platform takedowns, but reporting helps investigations.
Will I get in trouble for sending images? If you're a minor, you're not the offender; focus on safety and removal.
Last updated: Sept 28, 2025 • Reviewed by: ZoraSafe Safety Team