Someone Is Blackmailing Me With Nude Photos: What to Do Right Now

If someone is threatening to share your intimate photos unless you pay them or do what they want, you're experiencing sextortion. This is a crime, and you have options. Here's exactly what to do right now.

Immediate Steps (Do These Now)

1. Stop All Communication

Stop responding to the blackmailer immediately. Don't negotiate, don't plead, don't engage. Every response gives them more information and leverage.

2. Don't Delete Evidence

As much as you want to delete everything, DON'T. You need this evidence for law enforcement. Screenshot:

• All messages and threats (but NOT the explicit images themselves)
• The blackmailer's username/profile
• Any payment demands or account numbers they provide
• Timestamps on all communications

3. Secure Your Accounts

• Change passwords on all social media accounts
• Enable two-factor authentication everywhere
• Check if any accounts have been compromised
• Review your privacy settings—make profiles private

4. Block the Blackmailer

After documenting evidence, block them on all platforms. They may create new accounts, but blocking makes it harder for them to reach you.

Report to Authorities

Law Enforcement

• Local police: File a report with your local police department
• FBI: Report at tips.fbi.gov—sextortion is a federal crime
• CyberTipline: Report at report.cybertip.org (especially if you're under 18)

Platform Reporting

Report the blackmailer on whatever platform they contacted you:

• Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat all have sextortion reporting options
• Report the account for harassment/blackmail
• If images are posted, report them as non-consensual intimate images

What If They Already Posted?

If the blackmailer has already shared your images:

1. Report to the platform: Use the non-consensual intimate imagery reporting option
2. File DMCA takedowns: You own the copyright to photos of yourself
3. Contact Google: Request removal from search results
4. Use StopNCII.org: Create hashes to prevent further spread

Get Support

This is traumatic. You don't have to handle it alone:

• Cyber Civil Rights Initiative: 844-878-CCRI (2274) — 24/7 crisis helpline
• Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
• RAINN: 1-800-656-4673 for sexual assault resources
• Thorn: Text THORN to 741741 for sextortion support

Common Sextortion Scenarios

"Romance" Scam Sextortion

You met someone online, exchanged intimate photos, and now they're threatening to share them. This is extremely common—you're not alone or stupid for falling for it. These are professional criminals who do this daily.

Ex-Partner Threats

An ex is threatening to share intimate photos you sent during the relationship. This is illegal in most states under revenge porn laws. Document everything and report to police—this is a crime.

Hacked/Stolen Photos

Someone claims to have hacked your device or accounts and has your photos. Sometimes this is real, sometimes it's a bluff. Either way, don't pay. Secure your accounts and report to authorities.

What NOT to Do

• Don't pay: Paying never ends the threats—it just proves you'll pay
• Don't send more photos: No matter what they promise
• Don't engage in negotiations: There's no deal that protects you
• Don't delete evidence: You need it for law enforcement
• Don't blame yourself: The criminal is at fault, not you

Will They Actually Post?

Many sextortionists are bluffing or fishing for quick payments. They're often running this scam on dozens of people simultaneously. If you stop engaging and don't pay:

• They often move on to easier targets
• Posting requires effort with no financial reward
• Many threats are never carried out

That said, some do follow through. This is why reporting to law enforcement and platforms matters—both to protect yourself and to help catch these criminals.

After the Crisis

Once immediate threats are handled:

• Consider talking to a therapist who understands online harassment
• Set up Google Alerts for your name to catch any future posts
• Review what information about you is publicly available online
• Be cautious about future intimate photo sharing