Recognize the pattern
How it starts
Dating messages, video invitations, or gaming chats.
The promise
Intimate contact followed by a pay-for-deletion demand.
What happens next
Shame and fear drive repeated payments, sometimes followed by fraudulent paid-removal services.
Signs to watch for
- Suddenly requests intimate images
- Threatens to send content to contacts
- Demands continue after payment
Start with what you can do now
If this happened to you
Do not send more money or images. Save the threats and account details.
Report the account and contact the FBI or local law enforcement for help.
For a child or teen, involve a trusted adult. Avoid paid image-removal or recovery offers.
What to save
Keep the original records. Use copies to organize the details.
- Threat messages
- Extortion account
- Payment destination
- Incident timeline
Before you send money
- Decline strangers' intimate-image requests
- Limit strangers' access to your contacts
- Avoid unknown private-chat software
These guides explain common patterns. The facts of your situation and your payment provider’s rules determine which steps are available.