Someone is threatening to share a photo of you
First, you are not in trouble. This is a crime, and it is being done to you. It can be stopped, and you do not have to sort it out on your own.
Do these now
- Stop replying. You do not need to explain, argue or say goodbye.
- Do not pay, and do not send anything else. Paying almost never ends it. It tells them you will pay, so they ask for more.
- Screenshot first, then block. Save their profile, their username, the messages and any payment details they gave you. Then block and report the account in the app. Do not delete the chat, because it is the proof.
- Tell one adult today. A parent, a carer, a teacher or another adult you trust. If that feels too hard right now, talk to Childline on 0800 1111 first. It is free and they will not judge you.
- Get the photo taken down. Report Remove can get it removed from the internet, including a faked one. Nobody you know has to see it.
Why it feels so frightening
It is meant to. The person is usually an adult working from a script, often as part of a group, and they do this to lots of people at once.
- They give you a deadline so you panic instead of thinking. The deadline is not real.
- They say they have a list of your friends and family. Blocking and reporting still works.
- They may say they have hacked you, or make a fake picture with AI. The same help applies either way.
- They want you to feel too embarrassed to tell anyone. That is the only thing their plan needs, and telling one adult breaks it.
You are not the only one
This happens to thousands of young people, and most of them are boys. Lots of them have felt the way you feel now. Telling someone is what helps.
In 2025 the Internet Watch Foundation heard from young people in the UK about this around nine times a week, and even more have asked for help in 2026.
If you have already paid or sent more
That is completely understandable, and it does not make any of this your fault. Stop now, keep the proof, and tell an adult. If money went from a bank card or account, they can help you tell the bank.
If they have already shared it
It can still be taken down, and it is still worth telling an adult and reporting it. The person who shared it is the one who has done something wrong, not you.
Not sure how to say it? Try this
"Something has happened online and I'm scared. I need you to not be angry with me, and I need your help."
You could also show them this page. You do not have to tell them every detail. Showing them the messages is enough.
If it is happening to a friend
- Tell them it is not their fault, and that you are glad they told you.
- Help them stop replying and not pay.
- Do not ask to see the photo, and do not forward anything.
- Help them tell an adult today. You could go with them.
Where to get help
- Report RemoveFree and confidential for under 18s. It can get a picture taken off the internet, including a faked one.You pick your age, you may be asked to prove you are under 18 with ID, and you make a Childline account so they can tell you what happened, usually within two working days. Only the Internet Watch Foundation sees the photo.
- Childline, 0800 1111Free, private, and confidential. Available 24/7.
- CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)To report what they did. Under 18s can report here, and so can an adult helping you.
- If anyone is in danger right now, call 999.
If it all feels like too much
Feeling scared, sick or hopeless right now is a normal reaction to being threatened, and it will not always feel this bad. If you feel like you cannot cope, or you are thinking about hurting yourself, talk to someone now.
Samaritans, 116 123. Free and confidential, day or night.
Are you a parent or carer? Read our advice for parents and carers, including what to do in the first hour.