What “sextortion” is (and what it isn’t)

Sextortion is a form of blackmail/extortion where a person threatens to release intimate images, videos, or sexual information unless you do what they demand—often money, more photos/videos, or sexual acts.

Common patterns:

“Pay me or I’ll send your nudes to your family/friends.”
“Do a video call and strip again or I’ll post your recording.”
“If you block me, I’ll upload everything.”

Important distinctions:

Even if you consensually sent the photo/video, sharing or threatening to share it without your consent can still be a crime.
Sextortion can happen with real images, hacked images, edited/deepfake images, or even bluff threats. Your response should still treat it seriously and preserve evidence.

First 60 minutes: what to do right away

1) Don’t pay and don’t send more content

Paying rarely ends it—many offenders increase demands after receiving money or more images.

2) Preserve evidence (this is critical in PH cases)

Before the chat disappears:

Screenshot the entire conversation (including username, profile, timestamps, demands, and threats).
Save links/URLs, account handles, phone numbers, email addresses, and any payment details.
If possible, screen-record scrolling through the conversation to show continuity.
Keep copies of any images/videos they sent back to you (often used to prove possession).
If money was sent: save receipts, reference numbers, e-wallet/bank details.

Tip: Don’t edit screenshots. Keep originals. If you can, back them up to a separate device/cloud.

3) Lock down your accounts

Change passwords for email + social media (email first).
Enable 2-factor authentication.
Review logged-in devices/sessions; log out unknown devices.
Tighten privacy settings (limit who can message/tag you; hide friends list; restrict story visibility).
Warn close contacts to ignore messages from suspicious accounts impersonating you.

4) Report the account/content on the platform immediately

Most major platforms have reporting options for:

Non-consensual intimate images (NCII)
Blackmail/extortion
Harassment

Reporting creates a platform record and can speed up takedowns or account disabling.

If they already posted or sent your images

1) Capture proof of posting/sharing

Screenshot the post, page, username, date/time, comments, and URL.
If it’s in a group chat, ask a trusted friend to capture it too (independent corroboration helps).

2) Request takedown

Report the content as NCII and harassment/blackmail. If the platform provides a form, use it. If the content appears on multiple sites, document each location.

3) Limit spread

Ask friends not to re-share “for evidence.” One copy is enough; additional sharing can worsen harm.
If someone you know re-shares, tell them to stop and document it; they may also face liability.

Philippine laws commonly used against sextortion

Sextortion can trigger multiple offenses depending on the facts. In practice, complaints often combine several laws.

A) Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009 (RA 9995)

RA 9995 generally penalizes acts involving intimate images/videos when done without consent, including:

Recording intimate acts/parts under circumstances where privacy is expected (in many situations)
Copying, reproducing, selling, distributing, publishing, broadcasting, or showing such images/videos without written consent
Sharing even if the victim originally consented to the recording or sending (distribution still requires proper consent)

Key idea: Distribution or publication of intimate material without the required consent is central.

B) Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175)

RA 10175 can apply when the acts are done through ICT (online, messaging apps, social media). It can:

Treat certain existing offenses as cyber-related (often resulting in heavier penalties depending on the charge structure used)
Support investigations involving digital evidence

Cybercrime is also relevant procedurally because it affects how law enforcement seeks court authority to obtain computer data.

C) Revised Penal Code offenses that may fit sextortion conduct

Depending on conduct and demand, prosecutors may consider:

Threats (e.g., threatening to cause wrong/injury to compel you to do something)
Coercion (forcing someone to do something against their will)
Robbery/extortion-type taking concepts where property is demanded through intimidation (facts matter)
Other related offenses depending on how the threat was delivered and what was demanded

Because “sextortion” isn’t always labeled as a single named crime in older code provisions, cases are often built by matching facts to the closest applicable offenses plus special laws.

D) Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313) – gender-based online sexual harassment

This law addresses gender-based sexual harassment, including online conduct. Sextortion frequently overlaps with:

Sexual harassment online
Threats, unwanted sexual conduct, and sexualized abuse using digital platforms

E) Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173)

If the offender processes or discloses your personal information (including sensitive personal information) in a way that violates the Act, data privacy complaints may be considered—especially if doxxing is involved (posting your name, address, school/work, etc.).

F) Violence Against Women and Their Children (RA 9262) – if applicable

If the offender is a current or former spouse/partner or someone you have/had a dating or sexual relationship with (including certain situations recognized in practice), threats to expose intimate images can be framed as psychological violence and other acts under RA 9262.

This matters because RA 9262 may allow protective measures and faster relief, especially when safety risks exist.

G) If the victim is a minor: Child pornography laws (RA 9775) and more

If the person in the image/video is under 18, the case becomes extremely serious:

Possessing, producing, distributing, or threatening to distribute the material can fall under child pornography offenses.
Reporting and preservation of evidence becomes urgent.

Where and how to report in the Philippines

Criminal reporting channels

You can report to:

PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG)
NBI Cybercrime Division
Your local police station (they can refer or coordinate with cyber units)
The Office of the City/Provincial Prosecutor (for filing a complaint-affidavit; police/NBI typically help build the case)

If you’re in immediate danger (e.g., threats of physical harm), prioritize local police and emergency channels.

What to bring

IDs
Evidence (screenshots, screen recordings, URLs, device used)
Details of the offender (handles, phone numbers, payment accounts)
Names of potential witnesses (friends who saw threats/posts)

What happens after you report (typical path)

You give a statement and provide evidence
Investigators may request platform/company data through legal processes
You may execute a complaint-affidavit for the prosecutor
The prosecutor evaluates probable cause and files charges in court if warranted

Building a strong case: evidence checklist

To strengthen identification and intent:

Clear capture of the threat and the demand (money, more content, etc.)
Proof the offender possessed the intimate images/videos
Any admission like “I will send it to your mom” or “I already posted it”
Payment trail (if any): account name/number, transaction logs, chat where payment demanded
Proof of harm can help for damages (e.g., lost job opportunities, counseling costs), though criminal liability does not always require proof of damage

Avoid: Sending “warning messages” that might look like negotiation. Keep communications minimal and focused on evidence collection.

Safety planning and harm reduction

Sextortion can escalate. Consider:

Tell a trusted friend/family member (support reduces panic-driven decisions)
If threatened with in-person harm, treat it as an emergency
Separate your public-facing accounts from private life:
- Change profile photos, lock down stories, remove public contact info
- Consider temporarily deactivating accounts if that reduces risk (after preserving evidence)

If the offender is overseas or anonymous

Cross-border sextortion is common. Even if the person is abroad:

Reporting still matters (patterns, possible coordination with international channels)
Platforms may take action regardless of the offender’s location
Your evidence trail is still useful for identification if the offender slips (payment accounts, reuse of usernames, IP/device traces through lawful process)

Civil remedies and other legal options

Apart from criminal cases, you may explore:

Civil damages (for harm, anxiety, reputational injury, costs)
Protective orders (especially when RA 9262 applies)
Cease-and-desist demands (often useful when the offender is known and local)

Practical note: Civil actions require resources and time; many victims prioritize takedown + criminal complaint first.

Common mistakes that make things worse

Paying “just once”
Sending more images to “prove love” or “confirm identity”
Deleting chats before preserving them
Publicly posting the offender’s messages in a way that spreads your own intimate images further
Confronting the offender in a way that escalates or compromises evidence

Prevention (without blaming the victim)

Use strong unique passwords + 2FA everywhere
Keep sensitive content off shared devices and unsecured cloud folders
Be cautious with video calls with strangers (recording risk)
Review privacy settings regularly
If you share intimate content with a partner, set clear boundaries and keep written confirmations of consent (while remembering consent can be limited and context-specific)

Quick action script (message you can send once, if needed)

If you choose to respond at all, keep it short:

“I will not comply. This conversation and your threats have been documented. Further contact will be reported to the authorities and the platform.”

Then stop engaging and focus on reporting + evidence.

If you feel overwhelmed

Sextortion is designed to create panic. The most effective approach is boring and methodical:

Preserve evidence
Secure accounts
Report to platform
Report to PNP ACG / NBI Cybercrime / prosecutor
Get support from someone you trust

If you tell me what happened (app used, whether they already posted, and whether you know the person), I can lay out a step-by-step checklist tailored to your situation.