What to Do If Someone Threatens to Leak Your Photos

Being threatened with the release of private images is a form of blackmail, sometimes called sextortion. It is frightening, but acting early and calmly reduces the harm.

Blackmail over intimate photos is commonly called sextortion. It can happen after a breakup, after a conversation with a stranger who is not who they claim to be or after a hacked account. The aim is almost always to frighten you into paying money or sending more images.

It works because of shame and fear. If you remember one thing, remember that you are the victim of a crime, not the cause of it.

What to do

1. Stop and breathePanic is what blackmailers rely on. Take a moment.
2. Do not payPaying rarely ends the threats and often leads to more demands.
3. Stop communicatingBlock the person after you have saved the messages.
4. Preserve evidenceScreenshot messages, usernames, payment requests and links.
5. Report itReport the account to the platform and tell the police. Blackmail is a crime in many places.
6. Secure your accountsChange passwords, turn on two-factor authentication and review privacy settings.
7. Use hash toolsStopNCII.org lets adults pre-register images so participating platforms can block them. Under-18s can use Take It Down.
8. Tell someone you trustSupport makes a huge difference.

Why you should not pay

Payment rarely ends the threats. Once someone knows you will pay, they often ask for more. There is no guarantee that they will delete the images, and some people share them anyway. Paying also removes an incentive for you to take action that could protect you.

How to respond in the moment

• Stop replying and do not send more images
• Take screenshots of every message, account and payment request
• Block the account after saving evidence
• Change your passwords and turn on two-factor authentication
• Tell someone you trust, so that you are not holding this alone

Getting the platforms and police involved

Report the account to the platform for blackmail or harassment. Many platforms take sextortion seriously and can act quickly. Report to the police too, and give them your screenshots. In some countries there are specialist units that deal with these cases, and they have seen the pattern many times.

Protecting yourself in advance

If you are worried that images may be shared, adults can use StopNCII.org to create hashes that help participating platforms block them. Under-18s can use Take It Down. Neither service shares your images. Doing this before anything is posted can make the threat less effective.

Supporting someone else who is being blackmailed

If a friend or family member tells you they are being blackmailed, listen without judgement. Help them save evidence, stop contact and report to the platform and the police. Encourage them to talk to a trusted adult or a support organisation. Avoid blaming them for sending images, which can increase shame and make it harder to ask for help.

Stay with them while they complete the first reports, if they want you to. Small acts of practical support make a big difference.

If you need practical help, email us in confidence. We will not judge.

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information, not legal advice. DMCA Reputation is not a law firm.