How to avoid deceptive sextortion assistance services and find real help

Sextortion — when someone threatens to share your intimate images unless you pay — can be stressful and upsetting. And figuring out what to do can be overwhelming. While searching for help, you might find companies that offer quick fixes (for a price) but don’t deliver on their promises. One example, according to the lawsuit filed by the FTC, is Digital Forensics, a company behind websites like BlackmailHelpline.com, DigitalForensics.com, CyberBlackmail911.com, and SecurityBreach911.com.

The FTC alleges that Digital Forensics falsely promised to stop sextortion threats, prevent explicit material from spreading online, and report the perpetrators to criminal authorities. They charged customers thousands of dollars and failed to deliver on their promises — adding a big financial burden to an already stressful ordeal.

So, what can you do about threats of sextortion?

• Ignore and block the blackmailer. Don’t pay them or give them access to your devices or financial accounts. Ignore their messages and stop communicating with them.
• Talk with someone you trust. Like a trusted friend, family member, or counselor and tell them what’s going on.
• Report them to criminal law enforcement. Sextortion is a serious crime. Report the perpetrator to your local police and to the FBI (fbi.gov, 1-800-225-5324). If it involves a minor, report it through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline.

Here’s what to know and do if someone shared your intimate images without your permission:

• Report it directly to the platform. The Take It Down Act requires online platforms to remove intimate images within 48 hours of your request — for free. If the platform doesn’t take it down within 48 hours, report it to the FTC at TakeItDown.ftc.gov.
• Research paid services carefully. If a company claims to help you remove the intimate images for a fee, check it out first. Search online for the company name with words like “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.” And scroll past the paid search results.
• Get free counseling and support services. Minors, contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (1-800-843-5678). Adults, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233).