Don't pay, don't reply, don't delete

Capture the threat as evidence and isolate the conversation — don't engage further.

JDCS

By Jordan Dickson · Reviewed by CSG Security Engineers

Updated June 2026 · 1 min read

Sextortion is a script. It works on isolation and shame. The single most powerful move is to break both — tell someone, and stop replying.

Why paying makes it worse

Paying always — always — leads to more demands. The scammer learns you'll pay and immediately escalates.

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Founder, CyberSecurityGuides

Founder of CyberSecurityGuides, writing practical, jargon-free guides that help everyday people recover from and protect against online attacks.

Reviewed by CSG Security Engineers