Something happened online? You can get help.
You deserve help. You do not have to handle threats or blackmail alone. You can ask a trusted adult, school counselor, or school resource officer.
First three moves
- Don't pay or send anything more. Paying may not stop the threats.
- Keep the messages and account name as evidence. Don't download, forward, or share sexual images of minors. Ask a trusted adult or law enforcement for help preserving evidence safely.
- Tell one trusted adult. A parent, counselor, coach, or school resource officer can help.
In danger right now?
Call 911 in the United States.
Feeling overwhelmed or unsafe?
Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741741 for Crisis Text Line.
Someone is threatening you over private pictures
Stop responding. Don't pay, and don't send more pictures. Report the account in the app. You can report suspected sexual exploitation of a child to NCMEC, or contact the FBI.
NCMEC CyberTipline ↗ 1-800-843-5678 FBI Tips ↗ 1-800-CALL-FBI
No adult you can talk to? Contact NCMEC at gethelp@ncmec.org.
A private image is online, or might be shared
Take It Down is a free NCMEC service for nude, partially nude, or sexually explicit images or videos taken when you were under 18, including eligible AI-generated images. It makes a digital fingerprint on your device so participating platforms can identify matching content; it does not upload the image itself. Use the device containing the image if possible.
If you don't have the image or device, contact CyberTipline instead. If the image was taken when you were 18 or older, visit StopNCII.org.
Reported it, but the platform hasn't removed it?
The TAKE IT DOWN Act establishes removal requirements for covered platforms after valid reports. If a platform has not complied, the FTC provides a complaint channel.
Bullying, harassment, or threats
Keep the messages, report and block the account, and tell a counselor or trusted adult. For threats of violence, contact law enforcement.
Hacked account or a scam
Who to call — anywhere in the U.S.
Emergency or in danger now: 911. Explain where you are and what is happening; dispatch can connect you with the appropriate responders.
Not an emergency? Call your local police or sheriff’s non-emergency line. If you are unsure which agency to contact, ask your county dispatch center.
- NCMEC CyberTipline · 1-800-843-5678 — report suspected online sexual exploitation of children; NCMEC reviews reports and makes them available to appropriate law enforcement.
- FBI Tips · 1-800-CALL-FBI — report suspected federal crimes and exploitation.
- Internet Crimes Against Children task forces — find information about specialized investigators in your state.
Live in Lake County, Montana?
Emergency: 911
Lake County Dispatch, non-emergency: (406) 883-7301 — serves Polson and Lake County law-enforcement calls. For incidents on the Flathead Reservation, use 911 in emergencies; ask dispatch which agency handles non-emergency incidents.
Last verified: October 24, 2026.
Watch out for fake “help”
Be cautious of anyone who charges money to erase pictures or negotiate with a person threatening you. The resources above are free. Do not send them your private images.
Quick exit leaves this page, but it cannot erase browser history or prevent someone from seeing your screen. Use a safer device if you are being monitored.
Last verified: October 24, 2026.