Sextortion: What to Do If Someone Is Threatening to Share Intimate Images (2026)
Immediate steps
- Do NOT pay and do NOT send more images — paying typically leads to more demands, not less.
- Stop all communication with the extortionist (but do not delete the conversation).
- Preserve evidence: screenshots, usernames, profile links, payment demands, dates.
- Report the account to the platform and to the FBI IC3.
- For minors: report to NCMEC CyberTipline and use Take It Down. For adults: contact CCRI and use StopNCII.org.
- Reach out to someone you trust — you do not have to face this alone.
Evidence preservation
Before blocking, screenshot the threats, the offender's username/profile URL, and any payment demands (wallet addresses, payment-app handles). Record dates and the platform. Do not download or forward the intimate images themselves — for Take It Down and StopNCII the image never leaves your device.
Where to report
| Entity | Contact | What to report |
|---|---|---|
| FBI IC3 | https://www.ic3.gov | The sextortion scheme; include usernames, payment demands, and platform |
| NCMEC CyberTipline (minors) | https://report.cybertip.org ; 1-800-843-5678 | Exploitation/threats involving anyone under 18 |
| Hosting platform | Platform abuse/report tool | The extortionist's account and any posted content |
| Local law enforcement | Non-emergency line; 911 if in danger | The crime and to create a report |
Removal actions
- Minors / images taken under 18: use NCMEC Take It Down (takeitdown.ncmec.org) to hash images so participating platforms can detect/remove them.
- Adults: create a case at StopNCII.org to hash images for detection/removal by participating platforms.
- Report any posted images directly to each platform; under the TAKE IT DOWN Act, covered platforms must remove valid NCII reports within 48 hours.
- Use Google's process to remove non-consensual explicit images from Search.
Prevention and follow-up
- Change passwords and enable 2FA; review who can DM/contact you.
- Lock down or make private the accounts the offender used to reach you.
- Seek emotional support (988, CCRI, NCMEC mental-health services).
- Beware for-profit 'recovery' companies that charge fees and discourage contacting police — the FBI warns against them.
Legal context
The federal TAKE IT DOWN Act criminalizes knowingly publishing (or threatening to publish) non-consensual intimate images, including AI 'deepfakes,' and — as of the platform requirement that became enforceable May 19, 2026 — requires covered platforms to remove valid NCII reports and known identical copies within 48 hours (enforced by the FTC, with civil penalties of up to $53,088 per violation; complaints at TakeItDown.ftc.gov). Sextortion may also violate federal extortion, stalking, and child-exploitation laws. This is general information, not legal advice.
Key mistakes to avoid
- Paying the demand or sending more images.
- Deleting the conversation/evidence.
- Believing it's your fault or that you'll be in trouble — you won't.
- Hiring for-profit 'image takedown' firms that use scare tactics or tell you not to call police.
How Delist helps
Sextortionists often combine intimate images with your real name, address, and contacts (scraped from people-search sites) to make threats feel more menacing ('I know where you live'). Removing your personal data from brokers weakens that leverage. delist.ai handles broker removals as part of a broader protective posture.
Find out what personal data is exposed about you online.
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Sources
- FBI guidance: contact law enforcement, beware for-profit recovery firms, report to IC3
- NCMEC Take It Down service for under-18 images; on-device hashing
- CCRI 24/7 Crisis Helpline number 844-878-2274 for adult victims
- TAKE IT DOWN Act 48-hour platform removal requirement
This guide provides general information for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal, medical, or safety advice. If you are in danger, contact emergency services immediately.