Being sextorted? What to do right now
What to do first
- Do not pay. Do not send more images or give access to your devices or bank accounts FTC consumer alert (13 Oct 2026).
- Stop replying. Ignore their messages FTC consumer alert (13 Oct 2026).
- Save the evidence. Keep the profile, messages, usernames and payment demands. Do not delete your account FBI (updated 26 Aug 2026) Malwarebytes (15 Oct 2026).
- Block and report the account using the platform's safety tools FBI (updated 26 Aug 2026).
- Tell someone you trust: a friend, family member or counselor FTC consumer alert (13 Oct 2026).
- Report it to the FBI and local police. If anyone involved is under 18, also report to NCMEC's CyberTipline FTC consumer alert (13 Oct 2026).
The FBI's message to victims: "Remember: You are not alone, and this is not your fault." FBI (updated 26 Aug 2026)
Sextortion is blackmail with intimate images: someone threatens to share them unless you pay or send more. The FBI says it "can happen quickly—sometimes in just five minutes" FBI (updated 26 Aug 2026).
Why should you not pay?
Paying rarely ends it. The FBI says: "Cooperating with the predator rarely stops the blackmail and harassment—but law enforcement can." FBI (updated 26 Aug 2026) It also warns that images are sometimes shared even after a victim pays FBI (updated 26 Aug 2026).
Many threats are bluffs. Malwarebytes notes that most sextortion emails are sent in bulk and are bluffs, though some criminals do hold real images Malwarebytes (15 Oct 2026). A mass email claiming to have filmed you through your webcam is most likely one of these. Do not pay that either.
Do not hand over access. The FTC says not to give a blackmailer access to your devices or financial accounts FTC consumer alert (13 Oct 2026). The same goes for anyone who contacts you offering to "handle" the criminal for a fee.
How do you keep evidence without spreading the images?
Save the conversation, not the pictures. Keep the profile name, messages, usernames and payment demands FBI (updated 26 Aug 2026) Malwarebytes (15 Oct 2026). The FBI says saved messages can help police identify the person FBI (updated 26 Aug 2026). Malwarebytes advises keeping the evidence without deleting your account Malwarebytes (15 Oct 2026).
- Screenshot the account page and the threats, with the date visible.
- Write down any payment details they gave: app, handle, wallet or account.
- Note the web address (URL) of anything already posted. NCMEC and Google both ask for exact URLs NCMEC (read 16 Oct 2026) Google Search Help (read 16 Oct 2026).
- Do not forward or share explicit images as "proof". Give investigators the links instead.
Then block the account FBI (updated 26 Aug 2026). A firm that tells you not to block is going against FBI advice. The FTC alleges exactly that in the Digital Forensics case below FTC press release (13 Oct 2026).
Where do you report sextortion?
Where to report, and what each place does. All are free.
| Where | Use it for | How |
|---|---|---|
| 911 | Any immediate threat to life FBI IC3 (10 Aug 2026) | Call 911 |
| FBI | Sextortion threats and blackmail FBI (updated 26 Aug 2026) | tips.fbi.gov, 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), or your local field office FBI (updated 26 Aug 2026) |
| FBI IC3 NCII form | Intimate images stolen from your accounts and leaked FBI IC3 (10 Aug 2026) | ncii.ic3.gov FBI IC3 (10 Aug 2026) |
| Local police | A local report, and any threat near you FTC consumer alert (13 Oct 2026) | Your police non-emergency line |
| NCMEC CyberTipline | Anything involving someone under 18 FTC consumer alert (13 Oct 2026) | report.cybertip.org, or 1-800-843-5678 NCMEC (read 16 Oct 2026) |
| The platform | Removing the account and the images | The report or safety tool in the app FBI (updated 26 Aug 2026) |
| FTC Take It Down | A platform that did not remove your images within 48 hours FTC consumer alert (17 Sep 2026) | TakeItDown.ftc.gov FTC consumer alert (17 Sep 2026) |
| FTC ReportFraud | A paid "help" company that took your money FTC consumer alert (13 Oct 2026) | reportfraud.ftc.gov FTC consumer alert (13 Oct 2026) |
Report even if you feel embarrassed. The FTC, FBI and NCMEC all list free reporting routes FTC consumer alert (13 Oct 2026).
How do you get images removed under the Take It Down Act?
Ask the platform first. Under the federal Take It Down Act, covered platforms must give you a way to request removal FTC consumer alert (19 May 2026). The FTC says: "Platforms must remove the intimate photos or videos, and known identical copies, within 48 hours of your request." FTC consumer alert (19 May 2026) Removal is free FTC consumer alert (13 Oct 2026).
- Since when: the FTC began enforcing it on 19 May 2026 FTC press release (19 May 2026).
- AI fakes count: "The law applies to real images, digitally altered images, and deepfakes created with artificial intelligence." FTC consumer alert (19 May 2026)
- Who must comply: social media, messaging, image or video sharing and gaming platforms, among others FTC business guidance (8 May 2026).
- If they miss the deadline: report the platform at TakeItDown.ftc.gov. A platform with no working removal process can also be reported FTC consumer alert (17 Sep 2026).
- Penalty: the FTC lists a civil penalty of $53,088 per violation FTC consumer alert (17 Sep 2026).
Then clean up Google. Google accepts removal requests for intimate images and AI-made imagery shown in Search Google Search Help (read 16 Oct 2026). Google warns that removed results are "still on the website hosting the content" Google Search Help (read 16 Oct 2026). So use both routes. Our Google removal guide shows the forms.
What are Take It Down and StopNCII, and how does hashing work?
The two free hash-matching services, from their own pages (read 16 Oct 2026).
| Item | Take It Down (NCMEC) | StopNCII |
|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | Images or videos of you taken before you were 18 NCMEC Take It Down (read 16 Oct 2026) | Adults: 18 or over when the image was taken, and now StopNCII (read 16 Oct 2026) |
| Run by | National Center for Missing & Exploited Children NCMEC Take It Down (read 16 Oct 2026) | The Revenge Porn Helpline, part of the charity SWGfL StopNCII (read 16 Oct 2026) |
| Does the image leave your device? | No. "Your image or video remains on your device and is not uploaded" NCMEC Take It Down (read 16 Oct 2026) | No. The hash is made on your device and is the only file shared StopNCII (read 16 Oct 2026) |
| Where it works | Participating "public or unencrypted" platforms NCMEC Take It Down (read 16 Oct 2026) | Participating companies; check the partner list StopNCII partners (read 16 Oct 2026) |
| Anonymous? | Yes NCMEC Take It Down (read 16 Oct 2026) | Not stated on its homepage; you create a case on the site StopNCII (read 16 Oct 2026) |
| Cost | Free NCMEC Take It Down (read 16 Oct 2026) | Free StopNCII (read 16 Oct 2026) |
A hash is a digital fingerprint (a short code calculated from the image). Matching services send platforms the fingerprint, not the picture NCMEC Take It Down (read 16 Oct 2026) StopNCII (read 16 Oct 2026). A participating platform can then spot and remove the same image if someone uploads it.
When to use each. Take It Down helps when you think images are online but do not know where NCMEC (read 16 Oct 2026). StopNCII requires that you still have the image or video on your device StopNCII (read 16 Oct 2026). Neither covers every site. NCMEC's tool works on participating "public or unencrypted" platforms NCMEC Take It Down (read 16 Oct 2026).
For images from when you were under 18, NCMEC offers three options: the CyberTipline, Take It Down, and reporting to each platform. "The choice is yours." NCMEC (read 16 Oct 2026) NCMEC analysts can contact companies and follow up on removal for you NCMEC (read 16 Oct 2026).
What did the FTC allege against Digital Forensics Corp?
These are allegations, not findings. The FTC files a complaint when it has "reason to believe" the law is being broken. The court decides the case FTC press release (13 Oct 2026).
On 13 October 2026 the FTC sued Digital Forensics Corporation LLC and its CEO, Dmitry Belkin. Several linked companies are also named. The case is in federal court in the Northern District of Ohio FTC press release (13 Oct 2026). A federal court granted the FTC's request to temporarily halt the business FTC press release (13 Oct 2026). The FTC alleges:
- Victims were misled into paying "at least $60 million" in total FTC press release (13 Oct 2026).
- A "Phase 1" package cost $1,499 to $20,000. It promised tracking the sextortionist, contacting them, an investigative report and a police referral. In many cases these were not done FTC press release (13 Oct 2026).
- A "Phase 2" monitoring package was pushed afterwards and also not delivered FTC press release (13 Oct 2026).
- The firm often just blocked the criminal on the victim's account, faked chat transcripts and did not contact police FTC press release (13 Oct 2026).
- Staff used scare tactics in sales calls, and fake reviews were posted FTC press release (13 Oct 2026).
Its websites included BlackmailHelpline.com, DigitalForensics.com, CyberBlackmail911.com and SecurityBreach911.com FTC consumer alert (13 Oct 2026). Malwarebytes adds that the FTC says it showed pre-saved coordinates, often in Nigeria or the Philippines, as the blackmailer's location Malwarebytes (15 Oct 2026). FTC consumer-protection director Christopher Mufarrige said: "Digital Forensics preys on consumers already in crisis, exploiting victims of sextortion." FTC press release (13 Oct 2026)
How do you spot a fake sextortion "recovery" or removal service?
The FBI is blunt: "Don't fall prey to for-profit companies charging sextortion victims for help." FBI (updated 26 Aug 2026) The real removal tools above are free.
Red flags, drawn from the FTC, FBI and Malwarebytes:
- Promises to "track down" or stop the criminal. The FTC alleges such claims in its case FTC press release (13 Oct 2026). Malwarebytes: "Be wary of anyone who promises to stop the threats or pressures you to pay immediately." Malwarebytes (15 Oct 2026)
- A payment deadline. Real help gives you options, not a countdown Malwarebytes (15 Oct 2026).
- Advice not to block the blackmailer, or to let the firm handle all contact FTC press release (13 Oct 2026).
- Top-of-page ads. The FTC suggests scrolling past paid search results FTC consumer alert (13 Oct 2026).
- Glowing reviews only. Search the name with "scam", "review" or "complaint" before you pay FTC consumer alert (13 Oct 2026).
- Pushing for your bank or card details. The FTC alleges the firm got financial information through false statements FTC press release (13 Oct 2026).
Already paid? Keep every receipt, email and chat Malwarebytes (15 Oct 2026). Report the company at reportfraud.ftc.gov FTC consumer alert (13 Oct 2026). Ask your card issuer about disputing the charge. Our pig-butchering guide covers recovery scams in crypto fraud.
What should teens and parents know?
For teens: you are not in this alone, and it is not your fault FBI (updated 26 Aug 2026). Tell a trusted adult before you send money or anything else FBI (updated 26 Aug 2026). NCMEC's call center is open 24 hours on 1-800-843-5678 NCMEC (read 16 Oct 2026).
For parents: the FBI says victims of this scheme are "typically males between the ages of 14 to 17, but any child can become a victim" FBI (updated 26 Aug 2026). Stay calm, and focus on safety, not blame. Report to the FBI and the NCMEC CyberTipline FTC consumer alert (13 Oct 2026). Use Take It Down for removal FBI (updated 26 Aug 2026). NCMEC also lists mental-health and legal support on its help page NCMEC (read 16 Oct 2026).
Prevention. The FBI warns that criminals also break into accounts to steal private images FBI IC3 (10 Aug 2026). Use unique passwords and multi-factor sign-in, and never share a login code FBI IC3 (10 Aug 2026). Our password guide explains how.
Where can you get support right now?
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988, or chat at chat.988lifeline.org. Free, confidential, 24/7 988 Lifeline (read 16 Oct 2026).
- CCRI Image Abuse Helpline: 844-878-2274, free and 24/7, for US residents facing non-consensual images or sextortion. It gives support, referrals and non-legal advice CCRI (read 16 Oct 2026).
- NCMEC: 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours, for anyone under 18 or images from childhood NCMEC (read 16 Oct 2026).
- National Domestic Violence Hotline (adults): 1-800-799-7233 or thehotline.org FTC consumer alert (13 Oct 2026).
If the person threatening you also posted your address or contact details, see our doxxing response guide.
Sources
Every source was read on 16 October 2026. The FTC case is at the complaint stage; nothing has been proven in court. This page is general safety information, not legal advice.
- FTC press release — "FTC Sues Operator of Sextortion Relief Scheme for Misleading Consumers into Believing it Would Identify Criminals and End Sextortion Attacks" (13 Oct 2026)
- FTC Consumer Alert — "How to avoid deceptive sextortion assistance services and find real help" (13 Oct 2026)
- FTC Consumer Alert — "Did an online platform fail to quickly take down your intimate images? Report it to the FTC" (17 Sep 2026)
- FTC Consumer Alert — "What will the FTC's enforcement of the TAKE IT DOWN Act mean for you?" (19 May 2026)
- FTC press release — "FTC Begins Enforcing the TAKE IT DOWN Act" (19 May 2026)
- FTC business guidance — "Complying With the Take It Down Act" (8 May 2026)
- FTC — TakeItDown.ftc.gov reporting site (read 16 Oct 2026)
- FBI — "Financially Motivated Sextortion" (updated 26 Aug 2026)
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center — "Sexual Exploitation Actors Stealing and Leaking Explicit Content", I-081026-PSA (10 Aug 2026)
- NCMEC — "Is Your Explicit Content Out There?" (read 16 Oct 2026)
- NCMEC — Take It Down (read 16 Oct 2026)
- NCMEC — CyberTipline report form (linked from NCMEC; read 16 Oct 2026)
- StopNCII.org — homepage (read 16 Oct 2026)
- StopNCII.org — Industry partners (read 16 Oct 2026)
- Google Search Help — "Get help removing explicit or intimate personal images" (read 16 Oct 2026)
- Pieter Arntz, Malwarebytes — "Sextortion help firm took $60 million from victims, FTC alleges" (15 Oct 2026)
- Cyber Civil Rights Initiative — Image Abuse Helpline (read 16 Oct 2026)
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — homepage (read 16 Oct 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a crime to share someone's intimate images without consent?
The FTC says that sharing an intimate image of a minor, or of an adult without their consent, is a crime, and that it should be reported to local police and the FBI. Separately, the Take It Down Act requires platforms to remove such images within 48 hours of a request.
What if the images are AI-generated fakes?
They still count. The FTC says the Take It Down Act applies to real images, digitally altered images and deepfakes created with artificial intelligence. Google also accepts removal requests for artificial intimate imagery shown in Search results.
What if I no longer have the image, or do not know where it was posted?
If you were under 18 in the image, NCMEC says Take It Down helps when you do not know where the content is. StopNCII, for adults, needs you to still have the file. If you have links, report them to the platform, to Google and, for minors, to the NCMEC CyberTipline.
Does hashing work on encrypted messaging apps?
Not reliably. NCMEC says Take It Down works on participating public or unencrypted platforms. For an encrypted chat, report and block the account inside the app, keep screenshots, and report the person to the FBI.
I paid a removal or recovery company. What now?
Keep every receipt, email and chat. Report the company to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and ask your card issuer about a dispute. Then use the free routes: platform reports, TakeItDown.ftc.gov if a platform ignores you, and Take It Down or StopNCII.
Can I report anonymously?
Take It Down lets you stay anonymous, and NCMEC says you decide whether to share contact details in a CyberTipline report. A police or FBI report usually needs your details so investigators can follow up.
Next step
Report it today, for free. Send the threats to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. If you are under 18, start at NCMEC's Take It Down; adults can use StopNCII. Then request removal from each platform; it has 48 hours to act.