Sextortion: What You Need to Know

What is Sextortion?

Sextortion is when someone tricks or pressures you into sending nudes or sexual videos—then threatens to share them unless you do what they say. That might mean sending more, paying money, or continuing to talk to them even if you don’t want to.

They use fear and control to trap you. It’s a crime, and it’s never your fault.

What is Catfishing?

Catfishing is when someone pretends to be someone else online. They might steal someone’s photos or create a totally fake identity to get you to trust them. Then, they use that trust to get what they want—often private photos or videos.

Who Do They Target?

No one is “too smart” to fall for this. Sextortion can happen to anyone, but some people are more likely to be targeted:

• Boys – The majority of sextortion victims supported by Childline last year were boys.
• LGBTQ+ teens – Offenders often use dating apps and secret chats.
• People who feel low or isolated – They target those looking for connection or compliments.
• Gamers – Some predators use game chats to build trust.
• Neurodivergent teens – They may be more vulnerable to emotional manipulation.

How It Usually Starts

It often begins somewhere you already hang out—Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, Discord, online games, or even WhatsApp. Here’s how it plays out:

1. Random DM – They slide into your inbox or game chat.
2. Fast friendship – They seem cool, confident, and say everything you want to hear.
3. Flirting – They quickly make things sexual. They may even send you an explicit photo first.
4. Switch platforms – They ask you to move to another app that’s more private.
5. Pressure – They ask for a nude, claiming “everyone does it” or “you can trust me.”
6. Threats – As soon as they have one image, they switch. Now they want more—or they’ll leak what you sent.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Strangers messaging you with compliments, flirting, or gifts.
• Someone who wants to move chats to a new app quickly.
• Anyone who sends explicit pictures or asks for them.
• Promises of money, fame, or prizes in exchange for photos.
• Claims that they’ve hacked your phone or know where you live.
• Sudden demands, threats, or guilt-tripping.

What To Do If It Happens to You

Don’t pay. Don’t send more.

Once they know you’re scared, they’ll keep asking. Even if you pay, they may still leak the content or come back later.

Block them on every app.

Cut contact straight away. Don’t reply to threats.

Don’t delete your messages or accounts.

They can help the police investigate. Deactivate your account instead of deleting it—this keeps the evidence safe.

Save links if your content is online.

If you see your pictures posted anywhere, take screenshots and note the URLs—but don’t share those links with anyone else.

Tell someone you trust.

This could be a parent, older sibling, teacher, or school safeguarding lead. You’re not in trouble—this is abuse, and you deserve help.

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Being tricked or blackmailed into sharing personal photos isn’t your fault. Offenders are skilled manipulators, and they rely on secrecy and shame. Break their power by speaking out. You're not alone—and help is always here.