In short: do not pay a blackmailer; payment almost always leads to more demands. Stop replying, save the evidence (screenshots with the profile link, numbers, payment requests), report on cybercrime.gov.in (or 1930 if money was lost), and report the content to the platform, which must take down intimate images within 24 hours of a complaint. You are the victim, and the law is on your side.
Common situations
- a video call recorded and used for blackmail ("sextortion");
- morphed or real intimate photos threatened to be sent to family or posted;
- fake profiles in your name, impersonation and defamatory posts;
- stalking, threats and abusive messages.
What to do, step by step
- Do not pay and do not negotiate. Block after saving evidence.
- Save evidence: screenshots showing the profile URL, phone numbers, UPI IDs, dates and messages. Do not delete the chats.
- Report on cybercrime.gov.in (women and children can report anonymously in the relevant category), or at the cyber police station.
- Report to the platform. Under the IT Rules, 2021, platforms must remove content showing a person's private areas or sexual acts, including morphed images, within 24 hours of a complaint. Use the platform's grievance officer if the normal report fails.
- Prevent spread of intimate images using StopNCII.org, which helps participating platforms block copies.
The law that applies
Extortion, stalking, voyeurism, criminal intimidation and defamation are offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Publishing private or sexually explicit images is punishable under Sections 66E, 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act. Where the victim is a child, POCSO applies. Victims can also sue for damages and seek court orders to remove content and identify anonymous accounts.
Questions people ask
Someone is blackmailing me with my video. What should I do?
Do not pay. Save evidence, block the person, report on cybercrime.gov.in or at the cyber police station, and report the content to the platform for removal.
How do I get morphed photos removed from social media?
Report them to the platform, which must act within 24 hours for intimate or morphed sexual images, escalate to its grievance officer, and file a cyber crime complaint. A court can also order removal.
Can I complain about online harassment anonymously?
The national cyber crime portal allows anonymous reporting of crimes against women and children, such as sexually explicit content. Other complaints need your details.
Someone made a fake profile in my name. Is it a crime?
Yes. Impersonation and cheating by personation are offences under the IT Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Report it to the platform and the cyber police.
Lost money to a fraud, or your account frozen?
PKS Legal advocates have practised since 1980. We are based in Kolkata and advise clients from across India by phone and video call. Tell us about your matter and an advocate will get back to you.
Become a ClientCall +91 81001 21141This guide gives general information about the law in India as on 11 November 2026. It is not legal advice for your situation, and reading it does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Rules and limits change; please take advice on your own facts.