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Sextortion and morphed photos
A stranger records a video call or makes a fake nude with AI, then threatens to share it. Don't pay. Get help.
How it works
A stranger video-calls you, and explicit content suddenly appears on screen while they record your face. Or they take a normal photo from your profile and use AI to make a fake nude. Then the threats start: pay, or we send this to everyone you know. Some gangs follow up pretending to be police or platform officials.
What police advise
Cyber police advisories, such as one from Jammu and Kashmir, say: don’t video chat with strangers, never pay, tell family, keep the evidence and report it. India’s IT Rules now require platforms to remove morphed intimate images very quickly once reported. See our news post: AI-made content must be labelled.
If it has already happened
- Don't pay and don't send anything more. Paying leads to more demands.
- Stop replying, but don't delete the chats. Take screenshots of the profile, messages and numbers.
- Tell someone you trust today. You've done nothing wrong; the blackmailer has.
- Report at cybercrime.gov.in (there's a section for women and children) or call 1930, and report the account on the platform.
Protect yourself
- Don't accept video calls from strangers, and keep your camera covered or off for unknown callers.
- Keep profiles private so your photos can't easily be copied.
- Children and teens: tell a parent or teacher immediately if anyone asks for private photos.
Say it simply
If anyone online asks for private photos or threatens you, it's not your fault. Tell a grown-up you trust straight away.
Tell your children they won't be in trouble for telling you. Shame is what blackmailers count on.
Where to report
- National Cyber Crime Reporting PortalFile a complaint about any cyber fraud, harassment, sextortion or morphed images.cybercrime.gov.in
- Cybercrime helpline 1930Money has been taken or a payment was tricked out of you. Call at once: the sooner, the better the chance of freezing it.Call 1930
- The app or platformReport and block the account on WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube or wherever it happened, so it can be taken down.Report in the app
- Local police or cyber cellFor threats, blackmail or large losses, file an FIR. Take your screenshots and transaction details.Emergency: 112
- Childline 1098A child is being bullied, threatened or harmed online. Free, 24 hours.Call 1098
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