Something happened. Here is what to do, in order.

now · today · this week

Being scammed, losing a phone or finding your files locked is a crime done to you, not a mistake you made. Pick what happened and we lay out the steps with the deadlines that matter. Every contact we name is an official site; where a step needs your own bank or carrier we say so instead of guessing a number.

If you are in physical danger right now, call your local emergency number first. This page is for the digital and money side.

Scam-loss recovery concierge

Not sure a call or message is genuine? Check it first.

Ending a relationship? What to check before and after you go.

Deadlines count from the date you give. You can tick steps off as you go.

Someone is threatening to share intimate images of you

nothing here is saved to your account

This is sextortion. It is a crime done to you, it is not your fault, and it happens to a great many people. These steps work whether or not you have already replied or paid.

  1. Stop replying and do not pay. Paying rarely ends it and usually brings bigger demands.
  2. Do not delete the chat yet. Screenshot the messages, the profile name and any payment details: they are evidence.
  3. Report the account on the platform where it happened, then block it.
  4. Make a digital fingerprint of the image so platforms can block it. The image itself never leaves your device.
    • StopNCII.org for images taken when you were 18 or over
    • Take It Down for images taken when you were under 18, even if you are an adult now
  5. Tell someone you trust. If you are under 18, tell an adult you trust; you are not the one in trouble.
  6. You can report it to the police, with your screenshots. If you feel unsafe, or are thinking about hurting yourself, call your local emergency number now.

Your recovery plans