Someone threatens to share your intimate photos or videos if you don't pay? It's a crime called sextortion. You're not alone and there are solutions. This guide explains what to do, step by step.
If You Are a Minor
Contact Cyberaide.ca immediately — Emergency line: 1-866-658-9022
It's free, confidential, and they can help you get images removed quickly.
What is Sextortion?
Sextortion is a form of blackmail where someone threatens to share intimate images or videos of you if you don't pay or do what they demand. It's a crime in Canada, regardless of how the images were obtained.
Most Common Scenarios
- Dating site scam — Someone seduces you online, you exchange intimate photos, then the blackmail begins
- Account hacking — Your private photos are stolen from your phone or cloud
- Revenge ex-partner — An ex threatens to share photos taken during the relationship
- Fake video call — You're made to believe it's an intimate video call, but it was recorded
- Bluff scam — They claim to have compromising images (often false)
Real Examples Reported in Quebec
"I met a girl on Tinder. After a few days, we had a video call. She asked me to undress. The next day, I received a message with the video and a demand for $2,000." — Marc, 28
"My ex sent me a message saying he would send our intimate photos to my family and employer if I didn't give him $5,000." — Julie, 32
"I received an email saying they had hacked my webcam and filmed me. They demanded $1,500 in Bitcoin. I panicked, but it was a bluff." — Pierre, 45
"On Instagram, someone sent me a screenshot of my profile with my friends listed, threatening to send photos to everyone. I didn't even know how they got them." — Sarah, 19
What to Do If You're a Victim?
Immediate Actions:
- DO NOT PAY — Paying guarantees nothing and often encourages more demands
- Don't delete anything — Keep all evidence (messages, screenshots)
- Stop all contact — Don't respond to the blackmailer's messages anymore
- Block the person — On all platforms
- Secure your accounts — Change your passwords, enable two-factor authentication
Why Not Pay?
92% of victims who don't pay never see their images published. Criminals move on to the next victim. However, if you pay, they know you're vulnerable and will come back for more. Many victims have paid multiple times without it stopping.
Official Steps
- File a police report — Sextortion is a crime. Call your local station or 911
- Report to Cyberaide.ca — Especially if you're a minor or minors are involved
- Report on platforms — Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat have dedicated teams
- Request image removal — If published, platforms can remove them quickly
Help Resources
- Cyberaide.ca — 1-866-658-9022 (for minors and child images)
- Tel-Aide Helpline — 514-935-1101 (24/7 emotional support)
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre — 1-888-495-8501
- Local Police — To file an official report
If the Images Are Published
Even if it's your worst fear, know that solutions exist:
- Report immediately to the platform — Non-consensual intimate images violate their rules
- Use StopNCII.org — A free tool that helps prevent your images from spreading across multiple platforms
- Contact a lawyer — You can sue the responsible party for damages
- Request Google de-indexing — Google can remove links to non-consensual intimate images
It's Not Your Fault
Regardless of how the images were obtained, you are the victim of a crime. Sharing intimate photos with someone you trusted is not a crime. Using them to blackmail you is. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty.
How Report Quebec Can Help You
Our confidential support:
- Secure documentation of your case in complete confidentiality
- Resource guidance — Police, Cyberaide, psychological support
- Reporting guide on different platforms
- Case follow-up — We remain available to support you
Victim of Sextortion?
Tell us about your situation in complete confidentiality. We're here to help, not to judge.
File a Confidential Report