Online blackmail support guide
Where to find confidential support for online blackmail and sextortion victims. Expert guidance, crisis support, and practical steps to reclaim your safety and peace of mind.
What TO Do Right Now
Take screenshots – Capture profiles, messages, payment requests
Block immediately – On all platforms and social media
Secure your accounts – Change passwords, enable 2FA
Report to police– This is a crime, you’re the victim
Talk to someone– Don’t suffer in silence
Contact your bank– If you’ve sent money
What NOT to Do
Don’t pay money – They’ll likely ask for more and may still share content
Don’t communicate further – Block them on all platforms immediately
Don’t panic – Blackmailers rarely follow through on threats
Don’t negotiate – This only encourages them to continue
Don’t delete evidence – Screenshot everything before blocking
Understanding Online Blackmail
Online blackmail (also called sextortion) is when criminals threaten to share intimate images, videos, or personal information unless you pay money or meet their demands. This can involve:
- Images/videos you willingly shared with someone you trusted
- Content recorded during video calls without your knowledge
- Fake or AI-generated content using your photos
- Personal information obtained through hacking
Remember: This is NOT your fault. You are the victim of a crime.
You are not alone
Online blackmail is a crime and you are the victim. It’s not your fault. Professional support is available and recovery is possible.
Emergency: If you’re in immediate danger, call 999
This resource is for information purposes. Always contact official services for support.
Crisis support
Samaritans
Free, confidential support 24/7
116 123 (Free)
No pressure, no judgment – just someone to listen
Shout Crisis Text
24/7 text support for crisis situations
Text SHOUT to 85258
If you prefer texting to talking
CALM
Support for suicidal thoughts/feelings (15+)
5pm-midnight daily
PAPYRUS
Suicide prevention for under-35s
24/7 HOPELINE247 service
Victim support services
Victim Support
Free support for crime victims
Live chat and BSL available
Revenge Porn Helpline
Specialist help for intimate image abuse (18+)
Free, confidential support in the UK
My Support Space
Online resource with sextortion guide
Interactive guides to manage crime impact
Reporting crime
Action Fraud
National fraud & cyber crime reporting (England, Wales, NI)
24/7 online reporting available
CEOP (Under 18s)
Child protection from online abuse
Specialist support for young people
Remember: You are not alone
Online blackmail is a crime and you are the victim. It’s not your fault. Professional support is available and recovery is possible.
Emergency: If you’re in immediate danger, call 999
This resource is for information purposes. Always contact official services for support.
Technical cyber support
The Cyber Helpline
Free expert help for cybercrime victims
Chat with their AI bot first, then human experts
Covers: Hacked accounts, SIM swapping, WiFi breaches, data theft
Get Safe Online
UK’s leading online safety information
Unbiased, factual cyber security advice
Have I Been Pwned?
Check if your data has been breached
Search your email against known breaches
Content removal
Report Remove (Under 18s)
Help removing intimate images from internet
For young people to report and remove content
Report Harmful Content
When platforms won’t remove harmful content
Escalate removal requests to platforms
Mental health support
Mental Health Foundation
Mental health guidance and support
Resources for self-care and recovery
Young Minds (Children & Young People)
Mental health charity for under-25s
Information and advice for young people
Remember: You are not alone
Online blackmail is a crime and you are the victim. It’s not your fault. Professional support is available and recovery is possible.
Emergency: If you’re in immediate danger, call 999
This resource is for information purposes. Always contact official services for support.
Protecting yourself
Social Media Safety
Review privacy settings regularly
Limit who can see your friends/family list
Be cautious about sharing personal photos
Don’t accept friend requests from strangers
Online Dating Safety
Be wary of video calls with new contacts
Watch for relationships moving too fast
Red flag: immediate requests for intimate content
Reverse image search their photos
Account security
Strong Password Protection
Use three random words for passwords
Different password for each account
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Use a password manager
Regular Security Checks
Monitor account login activity
Check for suspicious emails
Review bank/card statements regularly
Keep devices and software update
Warning signs
Potential Sextortion Attempts
Moving relationship very quickly
Sending unsolicited intimate images first
Pressuring for video calls or photos
Eventually asking for money or favours
Having many mutual friends suddenly
Claiming to know your location/details
Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to block and report suspicious contacts.
Education & resources
National Cyber Security Centre
Cyber Aware Campaign
Internet Safety (CEOP Education)
Remember: You are not alone
Online blackmail is a crime and you are the victim. It’s not your fault. Professional support is available and recovery is possible.
Emergency: If you’re in immediate danger, call 999
This resource is for information purposes. Always contact official services for support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Someone is threatening to share intimate images of me. What should I do RIGHT NOW?
1) Don’t pay or communicate further with them
2) Take screenshots of everything before blocking
3) Block them on all platforms immediately
4) Don’t negotiate – any response encourages them
5) Report to police – this is blackmail, a serious crime
6) Contact Revenge Porn Helpline: 0345 6000 459
Should I pay the blackmailer to make them stop?
NO – Never pay. They’ll likely demand more money, there’s no guarantee they’ll delete content, and payment confirms you’re a “good target.” If you’ve already paid, contact your bank immediately to report fraud.
Will they actually share my images if I don't pay?
Most blackmailers never follow through. They want money, not to humiliate you. Sharing would eliminate their leverage. Most move on to easier targets when ignored. Even if they do share, support is available to remove content and prosecute them.
I'm having suicidal thoughts about this situation. Where can I get help?
Call 999 for emergencies, Samaritans 116 123 (free, 24/7), or text SHOUT to 85258. These feelings are temporary and treatable. You will get through this.
Is online blackmail actually illegal in the UK?
Yes – it’s a serious crime. Section 21 Theft Act 1968 covers blackmail (up to 14 years prison), Section 33 Criminal Justice Act 2015 covers sharing intimate images without consent (up to 2 years), plus other communications offenses.
What if the images were AI-generated or fake?
Fake or AI-generated images are still covered by UK law. The Online Safety Act 2023 specifically addresses digitally manipulated intimate images. The crime is in the threat and intent to cause distress, not whether images are real.
Can police help if the blackmailer is overseas?
Yes – UK police have international cooperation treaties, can track financial transfers, work with social media platforms, and coordinate through Europol/Interpol. Even if they’re not caught, reporting helps prevent others being victimised.
What evidence should I collect for police?
Screenshots of all threats (with timestamps), their profile information, payment demands, contact details they used, bank statements if you paid. Don’t delete anything until police advise it’s safe.
I feel so ashamed and embarrassed. Is this normal?
Completely normal reactions include shame, anxiety, anger, feeling powerless, sleep problems. Remember: this is NOT your fault. These feelings are temporary – with support, most people recover fully within weeks to months.
Should I tell my family and friends what happened?
Your choice, but benefits include emotional support, practical help, protection (watching for shared content), and reduced isolation. Start with one trusted, non-judgmental person. Professional counselors are always available if family/friends aren’t supportive.
How long will it take to feel normal again?
Recovery varies but typically: Days 1-7 (acute stress), Weeks 2-4 (gradual stabilisation), Months 2-6 (regaining confidence), 6+ months (most feel “back to normal” or stronger). Professional support, social connections, and legal action help recovery.
What if I can't stop thinking about what might happen?
Intrusive thoughts are normal trauma responses. Techniques that help: grounding exercises (5-4-3-2-1 senses), mindfulness apps, talking to counselors, staying busy with normal activities, limiting news/social media about similar cases.
How can I protect myself from this happening again?
Limit social media friends lists visibility, be cautious with new online contacts, never share intimate content with people you haven’t met in person, be wary of video call requests from new contacts, use strong unique passwords with 2FA, review privacy settings monthly.
What are the warning signs I should watch for?
Red flags include: moving relationship very quickly online, requesting intimate images early, claiming to have hacked you, asking for video calls within hours of contact, having many mutual friends suddenly, pressuring you to do things you’re uncomfortable with.
Are there tools to prevent my images being shared online?
Yes – StopNCII.org creates “hash” fingerprints to prevent sharing across platforms, Facebook/Instagram have proactive blocking systems, Google offers removal requests, and the Revenge Porn Helpline provides professional removal services.
What should I do if I see this happening to someone else?
Listen without judgment, offer practical support (help with reporting/documentation), respect their choices, connect them with professional resources, check in regularly. Avoid victim-blaming language like “Why did you send photos?”
Who should I contact first for help?
Depends on needs: Crisis/suicidal thoughts (999, Samaritans 116 123), Specialist blackmail support (Revenge Porn Helpline 0345 6000 459), Technical help (The Cyber Helpline), General victim support (Victim Support 08 08 16 89 111), Report crime (Action Fraud 0300 123 2040).
What if English isn't my first language?
Most services offer interpreter support. Victim Support provides calls in multiple languages, many helplines have translation services, and some have multilingual websites. Don’t let language barriers prevent you from getting help.
I'm worried about my parents/employer finding out. How confidential is this really?
Professional support services have strict confidentiality policies. Police won’t contact family without your permission unless you’re under 18 or in immediate danger. You control who knows about your situation – getting support doesn’t automatically mean others will find out.
I accidentally received intimate images meant for someone else. What should I do?
Delete them immediately without viewing, saving, or sharing. If received repeatedly, inform the sender they have the wrong contact and block if necessary. Keeping or sharing images you weren’t meant to receive could still be illegal.
What if I have intimate images that someone sent me? Can I share them or use them for revenge?
NO – Sharing intimate images without consent is illegal under Section 33 of the Criminal Justice Act 2015, even if they were sent to you willingly. This applies whether you’re angry, hurt, or want “revenge.” You could face up to 2 years in prison and a criminal record.