You are under zero obligation to post anything publicly. But if you want to warn others, take back your power, or break the silence — here are templates you can use. Copy, edit, make them yours.
Only post when you're ready. There is no timeline. Some people speak up the same day. Some wait months. Some never post publicly and that's equally valid. These exist for when and if you want them.
Warning others about the scam
These focus on protecting others without requiring you to share personal details.
Awareness post
Any platform • No personal details
PSA: Sextortion scams are everywhere right now. Scammers create fake profiles, build trust, then threaten to expose private images unless you pay. It happened to someone I care about. Don't engage. Don't pay. Block and report. It's a crime and you can get help at sextortionrescue.org
Direct warning
Instagram / Snapchat story • Quick and shareable
If someone online is threatening to share your private images unless you pay — STOP. Don't pay. Don't respond. You're not alone and this is not your fault. They almost never follow through. Block them, report them, and check sextortionrescue.org for your next steps. Pass this on.
For parents
Facebook • Parent-focused warning
Parents: sextortion is targeting teens at alarming rates. Scammers pretend to be peers, build trust, then blackmail kids with threats to expose private images. Your child may be too ashamed to tell you. Please start the conversation. Let them know they can come to you without judgment. More info at sextortionrescue.org
Speaking your truth
If you want to own your story publicly. These are written to center your strength, not your shame.
Taking your power back
Any platform • Personal but empowered
I'm going to be honest about something because silence only protects the person who hurt me. I was the target of an online sextortion scam. Someone tried to weaponize my private moments to take my money and my peace of mind. They failed. I reported them. I'm still here. If this is happening to you, please know: it's not your fault, it's more common than you think, and there are people who can help. sextortionrescue.org
Shorter version
Twitter/X • Concise
Was targeted by a sextortion scam. Not ashamed to say it because the only person who should be ashamed is the criminal who did it. If this is happening to you: don't pay, don't engage, get help at sextortionrescue.org. You're not alone.
For the person in your DMs right now
Story / Close friends • Reaching out
If you're scrolling right now dealing with someone threatening you online and you're too scared to tell anyone — I've been there. You're not stupid. You're not ruined. This happens to thousands of people every day. Reach out to me or check sextortionrescue.org. You can get through this.
Supporting someone else
If someone you know is going through this and you want to amplify awareness without exposing them.
Ally post
Any platform • No details about the person
Someone I care about was recently targeted by a sextortion scam. Watching them go through it has been eye-opening. These scammers are sophisticated, relentless, and they prey on normal human behavior. This isn't something that only happens to "careless" people. It can happen to anyone. If you or someone you know is dealing with this: sextortionrescue.org has free, confidential help. No judgment. No cost.
Breaking the stigma
LinkedIn • Professional tone
Sextortion is one of the fastest-growing cybercrimes, and we don't talk about it because of shame. That shame is the weapon. These are organized criminal operations targeting people of every age, background, and profession. If this happens to you or someone in your organization: it's not a character flaw, it's a crime. Resources at sextortionrescue.org
If the scammer contacts your people
If the extortionist actually sends something to people you know, here's what you can send those people. This rarely happens — but having the words ready can take the fear away.
Message to contacts
Direct message • Damage control
Hey — you may have received something about me from a stranger online. I want you to know that I was the target of an extortion scam. They're a criminal trying to hurt me. Please delete whatever they sent without opening it if possible, block the account that sent it, and report it as harassment. I've already reported this to law enforcement. I appreciate your support and discretion.
Shorter version
Quick text • When you need to send it fast
If you got a weird message from someone about me — it's a scammer. I'm dealing with an extortion situation. Please block them and delete whatever they sent. I'm handling it. Thanks for understanding.
Remember: In the rare cases where content is actually sent, most people respond with empathy, not judgment. The person receiving it will see a scammer trying to hurt someone they know — and their instinct will be to protect you, not judge you.