What to do if you're targeted by sextortion scams and how to support yourself after experiencing this crime.
If someone is blackmailing you with private photos or threats, do not pay. We know it's scary, but you don't need to comply. Learn how to handle sextortion threats, and discover how Avast can help secure your privacy.
Sextortion happens when someone threatens to leak your private photos or videos unless you pay them or do what they demand. These blackmailers might initially pretend to be a romantic interest to get you to send pictures willingly, or even use AI-generated nudes to make it seem like they have explicit content of you — even if they don't.
It's terrifying. And sadly, it's on the rise. Our team of experts found that the risk of being targeted with sextortion scams in the U.S. rose 137% in the first few months of 2025 alone.
According to the FBI, sextortion scams demand special attention, particularly among teens and young adults who are most vulnerable. One victim of sextortion, who was targeted at age 14, complied with the blackmailer's demands to protect her reputation and didn't tell anyone out of fear she would get in trouble.
But here’s the truth: the victim is never to blame. The blackmailer is.
In this article, we'll walk you through what to do if you're targeted by sextortion and how to support yourself after experiencing this traumatic crime.
Don’t pay — no matter what
Never send money to the blackmailer. Ever.
Sextortion scammers want you to panic. They want to trap you in a cycle of fear and payment. But once you pay, they know you’re scared, and they’ll just demand more. Many victims who send money report being targeted again by the same attacker, or having their information sold to other scammers who continue the abuse.
Even if they threaten to send your photos to your family, friends, or job, it’s most often a bluff. Many scammers send the exact same message to thousands of people and never follow through. It’s all part of the sextortion scam, meaning the threat likely isn’t real.
Stop all contact and block them ASAP
The moment you realize a sextortion scam is happening, cut contact. Don’t argue. Don’t reason. Just block them.
That means cut communication everywhere, including:
- Social media (especially Instagram, where many sextortion scams begin)
- Texting or messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram
- Email
Instagram appears to be the most used app by scammers running sextortion schemes. Here’s how to block and report a scammer on Instagram:
- Go to their profile.
- Tap the three dots in the top right.
- Select Block and report.
- Choose Report as unlawful and then select Content is unlawful for another reason.
- Fill out the form and tap Send.
3. Save the evidence
Saving evidence is necessary if you want to report the scammer, and we strongly recommend you do. Before you block them, screenshot absolutely everything, including:
- The blackmailer’s profile and username
- All messages, threats, or demands (include timestamps)
- Any photos or files they sent (don't open them — they could contain malware)
Even if your instinct is to shut everything down, don’t delete your account or chat history just yet. It could erase key evidence.
4. Report it
Sextortion is a crime, and you have the right to report it. Doing so helps protect you and others from similar threats. Who knows, you may hold the key for authorities to take down a scammer and stop them from harming more people.
You can report sextortion to:
If there are private images of you out there, you can also request image removals through tools like Take It Down by the NCMEC.
5. Secure your accounts and privacy
Now that you've reported the threat, it's time to protect yourself from further attacks. Scammers may have gathered personal information about you during the initial contact, or they could try to exploit weak security to access more of your data. Securing your accounts helps prevent them and other criminals from targeting you again.
Here's how to protect yourself moving forward:
- Change all your passwords: Update them immediately using a password manager to generate and securely store strong, unique passwords for each account.
- Enable 2FA: Use two-factor authentication as an extra layer of protection on every account, if available.
- Review all your privacy settings: Restrict who can message or view your social media profiles and accounts.
- Secure your digital life: Help keep your online persona protected with a robust and award-winning cybersecurity like Avast Free Antivirus.
6. Talk to someone
Talk to an adult you trust, be it a friend, family member, or therapist. This stuff is heavy, and you don’t have to go through it alone.
They can support you in more ways than one, not only emotionally but also practically by helping you gather evidence and report it. Having someone reliable there for you can make a huge difference when facing the aftermath.
Also, consider going to support groups and looking for resources, like:
Remember, you’re not the first or last victim to go through this, and it doesn’t define you.
Protect your digital life
Sextortion scams are just one of the more terrible schemes cybercriminals employ. Online threats are getting smarter, especially now when scammers misuse AI-generated images and deepfakes to blackmail people.
That’s why tools like Avast with scam protection are more important than ever. Our AI-powered Avast Assistant in Avast Free Antivirus helps you decide if online messages or offers are scams.
FAQs
Is it best to ignore sextortion?
When experiencing sextortion, it's helpful to block the scammer, but don’t ignore the situation. Save evidence and report it.
What if I already sent money?
If you've already sent money to a sextortion scammer, stop paying immediately and report it. Don’t feel bad; many people pay out of panic.
Can sextortion happen even if I never sent explicit photos?
Yes, sextortion can happen to you, even if you never sent explicit photos. Scammers often fake photos using AI deepfake technology or try to convince you that they hacked your device.
Can a victim of sextortion get in trouble?
No, the blackmailer is the criminal. If you’re underage and worried, report it through NCMEC or talk to a trusted adult.
