Someone has a fake explicit image of you and wants money. You can get through this.
This is a crime against you, not something you did wrong: don't pay, stop replying, save the evidence and get help now.
The check
Answer these honestly. A single "yes" to a warning sign is enough to stop.
- Is someone demanding money, gift cards or more images to keep an image private?That's sextortion, a crime. The FBI's advice is not to pay anyone who threatens you.
- Did you never take or send the image they're showing you?It may have been made with AI from an ordinary photo. The FBI says this is happening to children and adults.
- Is the person someone you only know online?The FBI says to be cautious with unknown contacts, especially ones who pressure you for images or video.
- Are you under 18, or was the image made to look like you when you were under 18?NCMEC's free Take It Down service can help remove explicit images of people under 18, and its CyberTipline takes reports.
- Are you feeling panicked or alone with this?Tell a trusted adult or friend now. NCMEC says the blackmailer is responsible, not you.
If it's happening right now
Don't pay and don't send anything. Stop replying, but don't delete the chats yet: screenshot the messages, usernames and any payment details. Tell someone you trust tonight. If you're under 18, use NCMEC's CyberTipline and Take It Down. If you feel overwhelmed or unsafe, call or text 988.
How this scam works
Someone, often a stranger on social media or a messaging app, sends you an explicit image that looks like you, or claims to have one.
The FBI says criminals can create these by altering ordinary photos or videos, such as social media posts or content captured during a video chat.
They threaten to send it to your friends, family, school or employer unless you pay or send more images.
Paying rarely ends it. NCMEC, the US child-safety nonprofit, says cooperating or paying rarely stops blackmail.
What AI changes
The FBI says criminals use AI to create explicit images of a victim to demand payment, which means a blackmailer doesn't need any real intimate photo of you to start. NCMEC reported a 1,325% rise in 2024 in reports to its CyberTipline that involved generative AI.
What to do, step by step
- Stop all contact and don't pay.The FBI says not to pay anyone who threatens you. NCMEC says paying rarely stops it.
- Save the evidence.The FBI asks victims to keep everything: usernames, emails, platforms and files. Screenshot before you block.
- Report the account and the image to the platform.Then block the person.
- Report it.In the US: the FBI at ic3.gov or 1-800-CALL-FBI, and NCMEC's CyberTipline if you're under 18. Adults can also contact local police.
- Get the image taken down.If you were under 18, use NCMEC's Take It Down. For adults, see our page on fake nude images.
- Talk to someone.A parent, a friend, a school counselor. If you feel overwhelmed or think about hurting yourself, call or text 988, any time.
How big this is
Real cases
- Barren County, Kentucky. A 16-year-old was sent AI-generated explicit images of himself and told to pay $3,000 or they'd be released. He sent $50 and was told it wasn't enough. He died by suicide; the FBI and Kentucky State Police investigated it as financial sextortion. (WPLN / WKU Public Media)
- Worldwide (X). Users prompted Grok to edit photos of real people into sexualized images. The Center for Countering Digital Hate estimated about 3 million such images in 11 days, about 23,000 of which appeared to depict children. (CCDH) The case file → (CCDH)
Where to report it
- The FBI: ic3.gov, or 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324)
- NCMEC CyberTipline (if the victim is under 18): report.cybertip.org, or 1-800-THE-LOST
- NCMEC Take It Down (images of under-18s): takeitdown.ncmec.org
- The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988
Questions people ask
Should I pay so they delete it?
No. The FBI says don't pay, and NCMEC says cooperating or paying rarely stops blackmail. Paying usually shows them you'll pay again.
The image isn't even real. Is it still a crime?
Yes. The FBI treats AI-altered explicit images used for threats as part of sextortion schemes, and it includes adults and children among the victims.
Should I delete the messages?
Not yet. Screenshot and save usernames, messages and payment requests first. The FBI asks victims to keep all of it. Then block and report.
How do I get a fake nude taken down?
Report it to the platform. If the person shown is under 18, NCMEC's Take It Down and CyberTipline can help with removal. See our fake nude image page for adults.
I'm a parent. What should I say to my child?
Stay calm and make it clear they're not in trouble. NCMEC says the blackmailer is responsible, not the child. Then save the evidence together and report it.
Related
Sources
- FBI IC3: Malicious actors manipulating photos and videos to create explicit content and sextortion schemes (PSA I-060523, Jun 5, 2023)
- FBI IC3: Criminals Use Generative Artificial Intelligence to Facilitate Financial Fraud (PSA I-120324, Dec 3, 2024)
- NCMEC: New sextortion data, over 100 reports received daily in 2025 (Jun 25, 2026)
- NCMEC: 2024 in numbers
- WPLN: Suicide of Kentucky teen investigated as financial sextortion (Mar 25, 2025)
- CCDH: Grok floods X with sexualized images (Jan 22, 2026)
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Get help
Spot an error or something out of date? Tell us; corrections are made and logged. Written with AI assistance from public sources; every fact checked and approved by Colin Balfe. General information, not legal, medical or financial advice.