Sextortion: reporting it to us

In this section:

Before you report

Stop all communication with the offender immediately. You should also never pay, as there is no guarantee that this will stop the threats.

If you want to get your account removed, deactivate it rather than delete it. This will make it easier for us to find evidence.

You don't have to gather 'evidence' like screenshots, text messages, videos or photos before you report to us. All you need to do when you report is tell us what happened. 

If you have any screenshots, text messages, videos or photos, details like these can be useful to us. It is also helpful if you can put these details in a timeline.

Even if the photo or video is no longer available, you should still report it to us. We may be able to recover the image.

Useful information if you have it:

• sender's name
• contact details, including email addresses and phone numbers
• usernames
• bank account details
• user IDs
• which platform, app, social media site, or online space you were using
• when it happened
• details of what was sent, written, or spoken in a voice note or video

You should only screenshot an intimate image if you are sure the person is over 18. If you are unsure, don’t screenshot, record, or share it with anyone, even the police. It could be a criminal offence.

Ways to report

You can report these crimes online.

If you are under 18, you can report sextortion, or any other form of online child sexual abuse, to the National Crime Agency’s Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Safety Centre.

Your report will be sent direct to our control room where it will be reviewed by the same team who answer our calls.

Visit a police station

If you want to speak to an officer in person, we can provide a safe and comfortable environment at any of our police stations. 

If you need a translator, we can provide someone by phone to start with and later in person.