If someone threatens you online
If someone scares you or tries to blackmail you online, it is never your fault. Here is exactly what to do, calmly, step by step.
In 60 seconds
If someone threatens you online
If someone scares you or tries to blackmail you online, it is never your fault. Here is exactly what to do, calmly, step by step.
What to do
- 1
Don't pay, don't send more
Paying or sending more usually leads to more demands, not less. - 2
Don't delete
Keep the messages. They are evidence that helps adults and police. - 3
Screenshot the chat
Save pictures of the messages, their username and profile. Never screenshot, save or forward any private photo. - 4
Block and report
After saving evidence, block them and report them in the app. - 5
Tell a trusted adult now
A parent, relative, teacher or school counsellor. Today, not tomorrow.
Where adults can get help in India
| Help | What it is |
|---|---|
| 1930 | National cybercrime helpline |
| cybercrime.gov.in | Government website to report cybercrime, including crimes against children |
| 1098 | Childline India, a free national helpline for children |
| 112 | Emergency number if someone is in danger right now |
- You feel alone and ashamed
- You pay or send more quickly
- You delete everything and stay quiet
- You remember it's not your fault
- You don't pay or send anything
- You save evidence and tell an adult
Watch and read more
Lab
A "Who I would tell" plan, made with a trusted adult.
The problem
Do this calmly with a parent, guardian or teacher.
- Write the names of 3 trusted adults you could go to if something scary happens online.
- Write the 5 steps from this lesson in your own words.
- Write the helpline numbers 1930, 1098 and 112, and the website cybercrime.gov.in.
- Ask the adult: "If I ever come to you with something like this, how will you react?" Write down what they say.
You are done when
Hard questions
Try to answer before you reveal. If you can answer these, you understood the lesson.
Q1Why do blackmailers try to make their target feel ashamed?Reveal
Shame makes people hide and stay quiet. When someone is alone and quiet, the blackmailer has more power. Telling a trusted adult breaks that power. That's why "It's not your fault" and "Tell someone" are the most important steps.
Q2Why save evidence before blocking?Reveal
After blocking, you may not be able to see the chat or their profile any more. Screenshots of messages, usernames and profiles help adults, the app and the police find and stop the person.
Questions people ask
I'm scared my parents will be angry. What should I do?
That fear is normal, and blackmailers count on it. Most parents are much more worried about keeping you safe than about the rule. If it's hard to tell a parent, tell another trusted adult, like a teacher, relative or school counsellor, or call 1098.
If the picture is fake, does it still matter?
Yes. Making and sharing fake pictures to hurt or threaten someone is wrong and can be against the law. You can report it, even if the picture is fake.
Won't blocking make them angrier?
Save the evidence first, then block. Paying or replying usually doesn't stop blackmailers. Adults and police can take the next steps with the evidence you saved.
What if it's happening to my friend?
Tell your friend it's not their fault, and help them tell a trusted adult. Don't share or forward any pictures, even to show someone.
Lesson test
5 questions. Get 3 right (60%) to pass and complete this lesson.