Something happened. Here is what to do, in order.

Being scammed, losing a phone or finding your files locked is a crime done to you, not a mistake you made. Pick what happened and we lay out the steps with the deadlines that matter. Every contact we name is an official site; where a step needs your own bank or carrier we say so instead of guessing a number.

If you are in physical danger right now, call your local emergency number first. This page is for the digital and money side.

Scam-loss recovery concierge

Not sure a call or message is genuine? Check it first.

Ending a relationship? What to check before and after you go.

Sign in to start a recovery plan and keep track of the steps.

This is sextortion. It is a crime done to you, it is not your fault, and it happens to a great many people. These steps work whether or not you have already replied or paid.

1. Stop replying and do not pay. Paying rarely ends it and usually brings bigger demands.
2. Do not delete the chat yet. Screenshot the messages, the profile name and any payment details: they are evidence.
3. Report the account on the platform where it happened, then block it.
4. Make a digital fingerprint of the image so platforms can block it. The image itself never leaves your device.
   • StopNCII.org for images taken when you were 18 or over
   • Take It Down for images taken when you were under 18, even if you are an adult now
5. Tell someone you trust. If you are under 18, tell an adult you trust; you are not the one in trouble.
6. You can report it to the police, with your screenshots. If you feel unsafe, or are thinking about hurting yourself, call your local emergency number now.

If someone has your personal details, a credit freeze stops new credit being opened in your name. Pick your country: we only list official pages we checked.

Re-targeting shield is on. For 30 days after an incident, anyone offering to recover your money for a fee, or claiming to be the police, a lawyer or your bank about it, is treated as the same scam. No real authority charges to give your money back.

No plans yet. Start one above; it only takes a moment and nothing is shared with anyone.

This happens to careful, intelligent people every day. Scammers are professionals who use pressure and trust on purpose. What happened is the scammer's crime, not your failure.

Call your bank

Call your bank on the number printed on the back of your card, or use your bank's official app. Never use a number from a message, email or caller.

If you feel overwhelmed

Talking to someone helps. These services are free and confidential.

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If you or someone else is in danger, call your local emergency number now.