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Fighting Online Extortion.
Protecting Victims.

Education, safety guidance, and support for anyone affected by online extortion, doxxing, and digital abuse. You are not alone, and this is not your fault.

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Resources tailored for young people facing online threats.

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I'm a Parent

Guidance for protecting and supporting your child.

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I'm an Adult

Support for adult victims and concerned individuals.

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Understanding Online Extortion

Knowledge is your first line of defense. Learn how perpetrators operate, what tactics they use, and how to recognize the warning signs before it's too late.

What is Doxxing?

Doxxing is the act of researching and publicly revealing private or identifying information about someone with malicious intent, such as addresses, phone numbers, workplace, or family details, to intimidate or harass victims.

What One Piece of Info Can Expose

  • Phone numbers: carrier info, all linked accounts, device details, location data
  • Email addresses: social media accounts, purchases, subscriptions, and linked services
  • Home addresses: property records, voter registration, family members, nearby relatives
  • Usernames: can be cross-referenced across platforms to identify you everywhere
  • IP addresses: approximate location, internet provider, linked accounts and activity

Prevention

  • Never share real name, address, phone number, or school information online
  • Use different usernames across every platform. Never reuse handles
  • Avoid geotagged photos or posts that reveal your location
  • Set all social media accounts to private and review regularly

What is Swatting?

Swatting is filing a false emergency report, claiming a hostage situation or active shooter, at the victim's address, causing heavily armed law enforcement to respond. It is used as an extreme intimidation tactic.

  • Never share your real address or location information online
  • Use a PO Box or virtual mailbox for necessary mail
  • Inform trusted neighbors about the possibility of false emergency responses
  • Work with local law enforcement to establish a code word or verification signal

Warning Signs

Act early. The sooner you recognize these signs in someone you love, the sooner you can get help.
  • Sudden changes in online behavior or device usage patterns
  • Increased secrecy about online activities and accounts
  • Unexplained requests for money
  • Withdrawal from social activities and friends
  • Anxiety or distress after using devices
  • Quickly closing screens when others approach

Safety Guide

Practical steps to protect your information before an incident, and clear guidance on what to do if you're already being targeted.

If You're Currently Being Extorted

You are not in trouble, no matter what happened. Extortionists rely on shame and fear to control victims. You are not at fault for their criminal actions.
If you are under 18: You must involve a parent or guardian when contacting law enforcement.
  1. Stay calm. Don't panic or make rushed decisions. Assess the situation carefully.
  2. Do not engage. Never respond to messages, negotiate, or provide any additional information to the perpetrator.
  3. Document everything. Screenshot all communications and evidence without altering timestamps.
  4. Report immediately. Contact the FBI's IC3 or NCMEC CyberTipline as soon as possible.
  5. Secure your accounts. Change passwords and enable additional security on all potentially compromised accounts.
  6. Tell trusted adults, such as parents, guardians, or other trusted adults who can provide practical support.
  7. Seek professional help. Consider counseling or therapy to process the emotional impact.

Best Practices for Responding

The most effective response to extortion is complete non-engagement. Do not respond to messages, negotiate, or acknowledge their communications. This denies them what they seek and often causes them to move on.

Consider turning over your devices to federal investigators. Federal agents have specialized tools to trace digital evidence that local law enforcement may not have access to.

Useful Tools & Websites

Curated tools and platforms to protect your privacy, monitor for threats, and report incidents to the right authorities.

Reporting Platforms

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FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Primary platform for reporting cybercrimes to federal authorities
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NCMEC CyberTipline Report child sexual exploitation and sextortion involving minors
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Take It Down (NCMEC) Best resource for removing explicit images of minors from the internet

Privacy & Parental Tools

We highly recommend Bark for Android users. It monitors texts, emails, and social media for online predators, cyberbullying, and explicit content. For iPhone users, consider the dedicated Bark Phone.
  • Password Managers: LastPass, 1Password, Bitwarden
  • VPNs: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN
  • Bark (bark.us): proactive monitoring with AI-powered alerts for parents
  • Qustodio: comprehensive parental controls across devices

Victim Support Services

You are not alone. These organizations provide specialized, confidential support for victims of online extortion and cybercrime. Help is available right now.

Crisis Hotlines: Call Now

Suicide & Crisis
Lifeline
988
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to
741741
Image Abuse
CCRI Helpline
844-878-2274
Child Abuse
National Hotline
800-422-4453

Online Abuse & Sextortion

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Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (CCRI) Free 24/7 helpline for sextortion and image-based abuse
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Without My Consent Legal resources for victims of online harassment
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VictimConnect Resource Center Confidential assistance for all crime victims

Remember

You are not alone; help is available and you deserve support.
It is not your fault. Perpetrators are responsible for their criminal actions.
Recovery takes time. Be patient with yourself throughout the healing process.