Blackmail and extortion
Paid money because someone threatened you?
Blackmail and extortion are crimes, and paying rarely makes them stop. You can get help without being judged.
The basics
What is blackmail and extortion?
Extortion is when someone threatens you to make you pay: to share private images or information, to report you for something you didn't do, or to harm your reputation, accounts, or family.
Sextortion, fake legal threats, and fake debt collection are common forms. Paying often leads to more demands.
It's not your fault. These scams are run by professionals.
Telling someone is the first step. Our support team will listen and explain what can realistically be done.
Contact supportHow it usually happens
The pattern most of these scams follow.
- 01
A threat
You receive a message claiming they have images, information, or a reason to take action against you.
- 02
A deadline
You're given a short time to pay, often in crypto or gift cards.
- 03
Payment
You pay, hoping it will end there.
- 04
More demands
The threats continue, with new amounts and new deadlines.
Warning signs
How to spot it.
- !Threats to share private images or information
- !Very short deadlines to pay
- !Demands for crypto, gift cards, or untraceable payments
- !Claims to be from police or a court asking for payment
- !Instructions not to tell anyone
- !Contact from accounts that are new or anonymous
What to do now
Steps to take straight away.
- 1Stop sending money, even if you're told one more payment will release your funds.
- 2Contact your bank or card provider straight away and tell them you've been scammed.
- 3Keep everything: messages, emails, receipts, wallet addresses, website links, and screenshots.
- 4Report it to the police or your national fraud reporting service and note the reference number.
- 5Change passwords and turn on two-step verification if you shared any login details.
How we can help with your case.
- We listen to what happened and review your payments and records
- We explain your options honestly, including what may not be possible
- If you go ahead, your secure dashboard shows every update on your case
Talk to our support team about what happened.
Your message goes straight to our team with the topic already filled in.
We'll never ask for your passwords or verification codes.
Other types of scam