To whoever is reading this: that was frightening, and I am sorry. Please hold on to one thing — the person doing the threatening is in the wrong, not you. And there is a correct way through this.
Do this now, from the top
- 1
Never comply with the demand
Paying to have it deleted, or sending more photos to be forgiven, does not stop it. It marks you as someone whose limits can be pushed, and it escalates. Refuse both the money and the photos.
- 2
Save the evidence as screenshots
Before you block anyone, screenshot the threatening messages, the account name and ID, and the URL of anything posted. Capture it in a way that shows the date and time. You will need this for removal requests and for the police.
- 3
Block and report
Once the evidence is saved, block them and use the platform's reporting function. Threats and requests for sexual images breach the terms of service on most platforms and can get the account suspended.
- 4
Tell an adult you trust, and the police
If you are at school, please tell a parent or a teacher you trust. You may be afraid of being told off, but you are the victim here. Threatening someone is a crime — in Japan you can consult #9110 or your nearest police station, and call 110 if you feel in immediate danger.
- 5
Request removal of the posts
Start with the reporting or removal form on each service. If that is difficult on your own, there are free helplines in Japan that will explain how to request removal, or contact the platform on your behalf.
⚠ And what not to do
- ✕Do not pay and do not send more photos — it never stops there
- ✕Do not try to solve it alone. Adults, helplines and the police are on your side
- ✕Do not blame yourself. The person deceiving and threatening you is entirely at fault. That is simply true
Who you can call
Threatening someone is a crime. Call 110 in an emergency.
Free and confidential for under-18s.
For cases that involve demands for money.
The phone numbers on this page are services within Japan. If you are elsewhere, contact your national consumer protection agency, your bank or card issuer directly, and your local police non-emergency line — the steps above still apply.
💬 Worth talking about at home today
Something to say at home: "However embarrassing a mistake online is, I will never be angry about it. If someone threatens you, that is not your fault — just tell me."