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Sexual Extortion

Steps to take and official places to report sexual extortion, deepfake threats, or image-based blackmail.

What to do

If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual extortion, getting help quickly and from the right source matters. 



Quick action and the right support can make all the difference, and help is available without judgment. Below are the essential steps and official channels for reporting and support in Australia, the UK, the US, and New Zealand.

Urgent Help Links

Immediate DangerCrisis ServicesImage Based AbuseBullying & Harassment

Step 1: Prioritise Safety

First things first

You are not in trouble. If someone is threatening you, asking for money, or sharing or threatening to share images of you or a deepfake of you, you are the victim of a crime. No matter what you’ve been told in the past, if someone is trying to hurt you or scare you, the law is on your side even if you’re under 18 and shared an image.

You will be supported. You will be protected. You will not be punished for asking for help.

If you’re a parent or carer reading this: your child is not to blame. What matters now is compassion, calm, and getting help from the right people.

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Here’s what to do next:

  • If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call emergency services in your country. Find emergency numbers here.
  • Do not respond to the person threatening you. Do not argue, explain, or negotiate.
  • Do not send money under any circumstances. These people rely on fear and shame; they do not stop if you pay.
  • Take screenshots of messages, images, profiles, usernames, and anything that could help identify them.
    (But don’t open any new messages—they may include harmful content.)
  • Keep everything—including your account. Do not delete your social media or chat history. It might feel scary, but this evidence helps protect you and stop them.
  • Go to Step 2 now for how to report it safely and get support whether you’re in Australia, the UK, the US, Canada, Europe or New Zealand.

Step 2: Use Official Reporting Channels

Australia

If the victim is under 18:

  • Report to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) if the incident involves sexual extortion or child sexual abuse material (CSAM). ACCCE works with law enforcement to investigate serious online crimes against children and protect young people from harm.
    https://www.accce.gov.au

If the victim is 18 or older:

  • Report to the eSafety Commissioner if you're experiencing sexual extortion, image-based abuse, or online threats. The eSafety Office offers confidential help and can work to remove harmful content and take action against offenders.
    https://www.esafety.gov.au/report

United Kingdom

If the victim is under 18:

  • Report to CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command) if the incident involves online sexual abuse, sextortion, or grooming. CEOP is part of the UK’s National Crime Agency and supports children and young people. Reports can be made by the child, a parent, carer, or any trusted adult.
    https://www.ceop.police.uk

If the victim is 18 or older:

  • Report to Action Fraud if you're experiencing sextortion, blackmail, or online threats involving money or coercion. Action Fraud is the UK’s national centre for reporting cybercrime, including financial sextortion scams targeting adults.
    https://www.actionfraud.police.uk
    Call 0300 123 2040

United States

If the victim is under 18:

  • Report to CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command) if the incident involves online sexual abuse, sextortion, or grooming. CEOP is part of the UK’s National Crime Agency and supports children and young people. Reports can be made by the child, a parent, carer, or any trusted adult.
    https://www.ceop.police.uk

If the victim is 18 or older:

  • Report sexual extortion, blackmail, or image-based abuse to the FBI through their online tip portal. The FBI handles cybercrime and image-based abuse affecting adults, especially when threats, coercion, or financial scams are involved.
    https://www.ic3.gov

New Zealand

If you or someone else is experiencing image-based abuse or sexual extortion, report it confidentially through Netsafe. Netsafe offers free, private support and can help remove harmful content and guide you through your next steps.
https://www.netsafe.org.nz/report

Step 3: Support

Support the Person, Don’t Shame Them

  • Remind the person they are not to blame.
  • Do not delete evidence.
  • Involve a trusted adult, school wellbeing staff, or police where appropriate.
  • Seek trauma-informed mental health support if needed.