Online & other › Online harassment
Someone blackmailing me over chats
What usually matters in this situation, and the papers to keep ready before you meet an advocate or free legal aid (call 15100).
Before anything elseDo not pay. Save evidence and report on cybercrime.gov.in.
Act now to stop the images spreadingReport at cybercrime.gov.in or 1930 and to the platform. Platforms must remove intimate images within 24 hours of a complaint. Don't pay.
Make my own list — free, 2 minutes
Your situation
- What is happening? Blackmail / money demanded
Where you stand
- Next step Platforms must act on complaints about intimate or impersonating content; report it there and on cybercrime.gov.in.
Do these now
- List of links (URLs), usernames and phone numbers involved
Platforms and police need exact links. Where: Copy from the app or browser.
Papers to gather
- Screenshots showing the content, profile name/URL, date and time
Evidence before it is deleted. Where: Your phone/computer. - Full chat export and call log
Shows frequency and threats. Where: WhatsApp/Telegram export. - Payment demands and any payments already made
Supports extortion charges. Where: Messages, bank statements.
You may also need, depending on your answers
- Platform report confirmations and cybercrime complaint number — Needed to escalate.
- Report the content to the platform and at cybercrime.gov.in — Starts the takedown clock.
What the law says
Online harassment can be an offence under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the IT Act. Platforms must act on complaints, and must remove intimate or morphed images within 24 hours of a complaint.
General information, not legal advice.
Saboot will also ask
- Are you safe right now?
- Do you know who it is?
- Where is it happening?
Similar situations
- Someone made a fake profile of me
- Being stalked online by an ex
- Trolls abusing me in comments and DMs
- Harassed on a dating app
- Anonymous account spreading lies about me
- Hateful posts targeting my religion, caste or community
Sources
- IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2026 — G.S.R. 120(E), in force 20 Feb 2026 (intimate-image complaints: action within 2 hours)
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (MHA)
The full guide: Online harassment, stalking, fake profiles or leaked images · All situations