Save Evidence First

Before you block the scammer, you need to save evidence. Law enforcement needs this to catch them and protect other victims. Here's exactly what to save and how.

🚨 Do this BEFORE you block

Once you block someone, their messages may disappear on some platforms. Screenshot everything first, then block. This takes 5 minutes and could make the difference in catching the person who did this to you.

Evidence checklist

Save as many of these as you can. Tap each item as you complete it.

Their profile. Screenshot their profile page showing their username, profile photo, bio, and follower count. If they have multiple profiles, get them all.
All messages. Screenshot the entire conversation — scroll to the very beginning. Include timestamps. On some platforms, you can export chat history (WhatsApp: Settings → Chats → Export Chat).
Payment demands. Screenshot any messages where they demand money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Include the amounts and payment methods they specified.
Payment receipts. If you sent any payments (Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, gift cards, crypto), screenshot the transaction records including dates, amounts, and recipient info.
Their threats. Screenshot any messages where they threaten to share images, contact your friends/family, or harm you in any way.
Their contact list claims. If they showed you a screenshot of your followers/friends list, save that too — it shows they were researching you.
Any links they sent. Don't click them, but screenshot messages containing URLs.
Phone numbers. If they communicated via phone (calls, texts, WhatsApp), note the phone number(s).
Email addresses. If any emails were exchanged, save them (including full email headers if possible).
Payment platform usernames. Their Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, or crypto wallet addresses.

How to take good screenshots

Tips for useful evidence

Make sure timestamps are visible in every screenshot. Include the platform name and the scammer's username in every shot. If you're on a phone, just use the built-in screenshot feature (Power + Volume Down on most phones, or Side Button + Volume Up on iPhone). Save screenshots to a folder you won't accidentally delete. If possible, also email them to yourself or a parent's email as a backup.

How to file a CyberTipline report

The CyberTipline (report.cybertip.org) is run by NCMEC and is the primary reporting mechanism for online exploitation of minors. Law enforcement monitors it actively. Here's how to file a report:

Go to report.cybertip.org

Click "Make a Report." You'll select the type of incident — choose "Online Enticement" for sextortion.

Describe what happened

You don't need to write a novel. Include: the platform(s) used, the scammer's username(s), what they demanded, and roughly when it started. Be as specific as you can.

Upload your evidence

Attach the screenshots you saved. The more evidence you provide, the more law enforcement has to work with.

Provide your contact information (optional)

You can report anonymously, but providing contact info allows law enforcement to follow up with you if they need more information or make an arrest.

Submit

After NCMEC reviews your report, it's forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency (local, state, or federal depending on the case).

Other places to report

FBI

Call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. The FBI has dedicated sextortion teams and treats these cases seriously, especially involving minors.

IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center)

File a complaint at ic3.gov. This is the FBI's internet crime reporting portal. Useful for tracking financial crimes (if you sent money).

Local police

You can also report to your local police department. Ask to speak with someone in the cyber crimes or juvenile crimes unit. Bring your screenshots.

If you already deleted everything

Don't worry — there are still options:

Check your phone's "Recently Deleted" photos folder — screenshots may still be recoverable for 30 days.
Check your messaging app's archived or deleted messages — some platforms retain data for a period after deletion.
Contact the platform directly — they may be able to retrieve account and message data for law enforcement with a proper request.
File a report anyway. Law enforcement has tools and legal authority to obtain platform records even when you don't have screenshots.

Imperfect evidence is better than no evidence

Don't let "I didn't save everything" stop you from reporting. Whatever you have is useful. Even a username and approximate date helps law enforcement investigate.