Setting the scene
Bargaining with online threats: online pressure lesson
Real moments. A few choices. Words that work.
Pause contact, do not send any money, and save screenshots of the messages and account details if it is safe to do so.
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You are sitting in your dorm room when you receive a message from an account you do not recognize. They have an intimate photo of you and are demanding money, threatening to send it to your friends if you do not pay them immediately.
Paying someone who is threatening to share your intimate images is a guaranteed way to make them delete the photo and stop contacting you.
Myth or fact?
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- Fact
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Myth
If someone threatens to share an intimate image, do not send money or more photos. Giving in to demands does not guarantee they will delete the image. Instead, pause contact and do not reply. If you can do so safely, save screenshots of the threats, account details, and links. You can then use platform reporting tools to flag the account. Remember, sharing an image in the past never gives someone the right to threaten or exploit you.
Your next step
Pause contact, do not send any money, and save screenshots of the messages and account details if it is safe to do so.
Words you can use
“Someone is threatening to share my image. I need help with the next step.”
Sources: Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, Cyber Civil Rights Initiative
Questions about “Bargaining with online threats”
Why should I stop responding instead of paying someone who is threatening me?
Pausing contact and refusing to pay prevents the person from gaining more leverage while protecting you from escalating demands. Giving in to financial demands or sending additional photos rarely stops the behavior, as paying often leads to further threats rather than the image being deleted.
Sources: Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, Cyber Civil Rights Initiative
What can I say when reaching out to someone for help with an online threat?
You can say, "Someone is threatening to share my image. I need help with the next step." Using clear words helps you quickly inform a trusted person or authority so they can assist you with reporting and support.
Sources: Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, Cyber Civil Rights Initiative
What should I do if I already sent money or replied to the threats?
Stop all contact immediately, do not send any more money, and document the messages and transactions if it is safe. Having paid previously does not mean you must keep responding, and saving screenshots of threats, profile details, and links allows you to use platform reporting tools effectively.
Sources: Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, Cyber Civil Rights Initiative
Why is sending more photos or paying a bad idea when threatened online?
Paying or sending photos rarely stops extortion and usually results in the harasser asking for more money or images. Giving in does not guarantee that the person will delete your intimate photos or stop contacting you.
Sources: Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, Cyber Civil Rights Initiative
How can I support a friend who is being threatened with image sharing?
Reassure your friend that having shared an image previously never gives anyone the right to threaten or exploit them. Encourage them to pause contact, avoid paying, and safely take screenshots of the account details, links, and messages so they can report the account.
Sources: Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, Cyber Civil Rights Initiative
Last updated October 12, 2026.