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Contact UsWhat is sextortion?
If someone is threatening to share private and explicit/nude photos or videos of you, even AI-generated ones, unless you send more, give them money, or do what they say, that’s called sextortion.
It’s a crime. It’s happening to a lot of young people. And it’s not your fault. You are a victim in this situation – This is true even if you sent the original photos or videos.
The person sextorting you might be someone you’ve only talked to online, someone you know in real life, or someone you’ve never interacted with before.
Can someone use AI to make fake nudes of you?
Yes, people can use AI to create fake images or videos, sometimes called “deepfakes,” that make it look like you’re in a nude or sexual situation, even if you never took those pictures. They might grab your face from social media or a video and use apps to create something fake, then threaten to send it to others or post it online unless you do what they say. It’s still sextortion. It’s still a crime.
What if someone won’t stop sending threatening messages? Should you reply?
No, you should not reply. Responding gives them more chances to pressure you or say things that make you feel scared or at fault. Silence protects you more than arguing, apologizing, or pleading ever will. If you can, block them, take screenshots, and tell a trusted adult.
Should you send more photos or money in a sextortion scam?
No. It feels like it will make it stop. But usually, this makes matters worse and gives them even more leverage. Most of the time people doing this just keep demanding more and more from you – more images, more money, etc… Protect yourself. No deals. No more pics. No more payments.
What if someone posted explicit or nude pictures or videos of you online? Is your life over? Where can you get help?
No, even though it can feel like it in the moment, your life is not over. This is awful, but you can take action:
- Use the online tool Take It Down. This free service that can help you remove or stop the online sharing of nude, partially nude, or sexually explicit images or videos. You can remain anonymous while using the service and you won’t have to send your images or videos to anyone.
- Report posts directly to the sites or apps they’re on or through the CyberTipline or the Help and Hotline (Childhelp)
- Get support from a trusted adult.
- Tell law enforcement. Remember, this is a crime, and the people doing it to you can be charged.
Right now, it might feel scary and overwhelming, but this moment will pass, and you can recover from this. You have your whole future ahead of you, and this moment, as horrible as it is, will not take that away. You are going to get through this. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, there are people who can connect with you right now at 988 Lifeline or at The Crisis Text Line.
How adults can help a teen who’s being blackmailed with sextortion
Sextortion can begin in person or through everyday apps, games, and messages. Sometimes, sextortion and child trafficking overlap, especially when sextortion is being used to groom or recruit children into a trafficking situation.
This form of exploitation can happen to anyone, but young people are especially vulnerable. If a kid you care about came to you for help, they probably wouldn’t use the word “sextortion.” They might just say they’re scared, trapped, or in trouble. It’s important to recognize that even if they provided the images willingly at first, and even if you think they should have known better, they are still a victim in this situation.
It’s also possible the images were AI-generated. You don’t need to figure out whether the youth provided the images or whether they were AI-generated. Your first job is to support the young person in front of you. If they feel trapped, ashamed, or afraid, it’s important to help them feel safe and seen, not whether the image is “fake.” Law enforcement and experts can help sort out the technical side. What they need is you.
When a kid is exploited in this way, it can feel completely overwhelming. They can feel like their life is over. Fear, shame, and panic can make them believe there’s no way out. As the adult they trust, you have the chance to remind them: this is one moment of their life. It’s incredibly tough right now, but it’s something they can work through. This won’t define them.
- Start by listening without judgment. Stay calm. Let them know that you’re going to do whatever you can to help.
- Use the resources mentioned above to help them remove anything that might have been posted online and report the matter to the proper authorities. Connect with support, whether that’s a counselor or therapist who can help them work through their thoughts and feelings. There are children who have taken their lives after being sextorted so addressing the mental health aspects of this form of victimization is really important.
- Learn more and find further resources: https://www.missingkids.org/theissues/sextortion
