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• Don’t pay. Payment rarely stops the threats — it usually confirms you’re willing to pay and escalates them.
• Document everything — screenshots, usernames, phone numbers, timestamps.
• Contact an organization that can help before deciding on next steps. Rainbow Railroad (rainbowrailroad.org) and Access Now (accessnow.org/help) both have experience with this.
• Do not contact police unless you know it’s safe to do so in your country. In many places, reporting extortion as an LGBTQ+ person results in prosecution of the victim, not the perpetrator.

• You don’t have to respond publicly. Taking time to assess is not weakness.
• Reach out to a trusted person — ideally someone not connected to the situation — before making any decisions.
• If your physical safety is at risk, prioritize that above everything else. Rainbow Railroad exists specifically to help LGBTQ+ people in immediate danger.
• Check PEN America’s Online Harassment Field Manual for more information.

Per the EFF:

• Putting your iPhone in Lockdown Mode can prevent installation of some malware.
• Subscribing to Google’s Advanced Protection Program, will help safeguard both your Android and your overall Google account.
• Use remote wiping software unless your phone was taken by law enforcement, as this can be considered a crime.

If it’s happening right now:

• Power your phone off before handing it over. Encryption is most effective on a device that’s fully off.
• You do not have to unlock your phone. In most jurisdictions, providing a passcode is considered self-incrimination. Know your local laws — this varies.
• If you can, note the name or badge number of whoever takes it.

After it happens:

• Contact anyone who may have sent you sensitive messages and warn them their information may be compromised.
• Change passwords for any accounts accessible from that device.
• Contact Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline (accessnow.org/help) — they provide free, confidential support.