When a new online "friend" turns to blackmail

Sometimes the threat is more personal. Someone friendly meets you on a dating site or social media, the conversation becomes warm and flirtatious, and they encourage you to share an intimate photo or video call. Almost at once, the warmth turns cold: pay quickly, or they'll send what they have to your family and friends.

This is a planned scam, not a real relationship — and it is happening to many adults of every age. Whatever you're feeling, none of this is your fault, and paying does not make it stop. It only marks you as someone who will pay again.

What to do — stay calm and follow the steps: stop replying. Do not pay. Block them, but first take screenshots to keep as evidence. Then tell someone you trust, and report it at econsumer.gov or to your local police number. You have done nothing to be ashamed of, and help is available.