Reporting Sextortion Involving a Child
Sextortion is when someone threatens to share intimate or sexual images of a child or young person unless they comply with demands — usually for more images, money, or contact. It is a form of blackmail and is illegal in the UK. Young people are often too ashamed to tell anyone. If a child discloses sextortion, your calm and non-judgmental response is critical. Do not pay — it almost never stops the demands.
Immediate danger — call 999
If a child is in immediate danger, is suicidal, or you believe the perpetrator is physically close to them, call 999 immediately.
What to report
- •Threats to share sexual or intimate images of a child unless demands are met
- •Demands for money, further images, or sexual acts under threat
- •A child who has sent images and is now being coerced or blackmailed
- •Any account or person making explicit threats in messages
- •Financial transactions made in response to threats
How to report
Police — 999 (immediate) or 101 (non-immediate)
When to use
In all cases of sextortion — this is a criminal offence. Call 999 if the child is in immediate danger or distress; 101 otherwise.
How to contact
Explain you are reporting blackmail and sexual exploitation of a child. Ask to speak to the public protection or child abuse investigation unit.
What to expect
Police will take a statement and may obtain evidence from the platform. Depending on jurisdiction of the perpetrator (many are overseas), they may work with international partners. You will receive a crime reference number.
CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)
When to use
When the sextortion has occurred online, especially if the perpetrator is unknown or potentially overseas
How to contact
Report at ceop.police.uk/ceop-reporting/. CEOP has specialist expertise in financially and sexually motivated sextortion and works internationally.
What to expect
CEOP will assess the report and liaise with police services. They may contact the platform to suspend the offending account. They work with overseas law enforcement where offenders are abroad.
Revenge Porn Helpline
When to use
When images have already been shared or when you need specialist advice about image removal and platform takedowns
How to contact
Call 0345 6000 459 (Mon–Fri 10am–4pm) or use the online reporting form at revengepornhelpline.org.uk. They assist those aged 18+, but can advise on routes for under-18s.
What to expect
The helpline provides free advice on platform reporting and image removal. They can contact platforms directly in many cases and will advise on next steps including police reporting.
Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)
When to use
If sexual images of the child have already been shared online and you need them removed from the internet
How to contact
Report at iwf.org.uk. For under-18 imagery, this is the primary route for removal from UK-accessible websites. You can report without contacting police first.
What to expect
IWF assesses reports within 24 hours. If the image is classified as child sexual abuse material, it will be added to a blocklist and removal notices sent to hosting providers. IWF works globally.
Evidence checklist
Gather this information before or during your report. Do not delay reporting while collecting evidence — but preserve what you can.
- Screenshots of all threatening messages, including the exact wording of demands
- Usernames, profile URLs, and any photos of the perpetrator's account
- Records of any money transferred, including amounts, dates, and payment method
- Screenshots of the images that were sent, if safe to do so (do not share the images with others)
- Platform names and account details used for communication
- Any email addresses or phone numbers provided by the perpetrator
What to say
You do not need to use a script, but this template may help if you are nervous about making the call. Adapt it to your circumstances.
"I am reporting sextortion involving a young person aged [age]. Someone using the username [username] on [platform] has obtained intimate images of the young person and is threatening to share them unless [demand — e.g. money / more images]. The threats began on approximately [date]. I have screenshots of the messages. The young person has not paid / has paid [amount]. I am very concerned for their safety and mental health."
What happens next
Police will investigate the threat as blackmail and may seek to identify and arrest the perpetrator. Many sextortion cases involve overseas criminal groups, and law enforcement may work with Interpol or partner agencies. In the meantime, the Revenge Porn Helpline and IWF can assist with removing any images that have been shared. The priority is supporting the young person and preventing further harm.
What not to do
- ✗Do not pay the blackmailer — payment almost never stops demands and often escalates them
- ✗Do not delete messages or evidence before reporting to police
- ✗Do not shame or blame the child — they are a victim of a crime
- ✗Do not try to identify or contact the perpetrator yourself
- ✗Do not share the images further, even to seek advice from others
Frequently asked questions
The images have already been shared — what can we do?
Report to the IWF (iwf.org.uk) immediately for under-18 content — they can issue global removal notices. Also contact the Revenge Porn Helpline and report to police. Platforms like Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat have specialist teams for expedited takedowns. Act quickly — the sooner images are reported, the better the chance of preventing wider spread.
The young person is too frightened to speak to police
You can report on their behalf without their involvement initially. The NSPCC (0808 800 5000) can also advise on trauma-informed approaches and may be able to support the young person through the process.
Sources and further information
- CEOP — Sextortion Advice — CEOP / NCA
- Revenge Porn Helpline — Revenge Porn Helpline
- IWF — Report Child Sexual Abuse Material — Internet Watch Foundation
- StopNCII — Image Removal Tool — StopNCII
This guidance is for informational purposes. It is not a substitute for emergency services or professional safeguarding support. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 (UK) or 911 (US) now.
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Last reviewed: 2026-04-19. This page provides general educational information, not legal or professional safeguarding advice. UK helplines and legislation may change — verify current details with the relevant organisation.