Safety
Ex threatening to share your photos? Do this
For anyone being threatened or blackmailed by a former partner with private photos, videos or chats.
By Mr. Chakkaravarthy RK
10+ years Experience in Life Coach & Counselling PractitionerDr. APJ Abdul Kalam National Excellence Award & Best Life Coach of India
Internationally Recognized Couples Coach, Relationship Coach, Student Coach and Career Coach. Neurobics Expert, Memory Coach, Train the Trainer and NLP Master.
Updated 21 October 2026 · about 4 minutes to read
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Few things feel as frightening as an ex threatening to share private photos. Shame and panic make people want to hide it.
You are not alone, it is not your fault, and there are clear steps to protect yourself.
What should I do if my ex threatens to share my photos?
Do not pay or send anything more. Screenshot every message and note numbers, usernames and dates.
Do not pay money and do not send more photos. Giving in usually leads to more demands.
Stop engaging with threats beyond what is needed to keep evidence.
Right away
- Do not pay or send anything.
- Take screenshots of every message.
- Note phone numbers, usernames and dates.
How do I report an ex threatening to leak photos in India?
Call the cyber crime helpline 1930 or report at cybercrime.gov.in, and report the account on the platform.
In India, call the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 or report at cybercrime.gov.in. You can also go to the nearest police station.
Report the account on the platform, and use the platform's process for removing intimate images.
Where to report
- 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in (India).
- The app or site where it was shared.
- Local police, in any country.
Who should I tell if I am being blackmailed with photos?
A trusted friend or family member, a teacher or counsellor if you are a student, and the police or cyber cell.
Tell one trusted adult or friend. Facing this alone makes it far heavier.
If you are under 18, tell a parent, teacher or school counsellor; the law gives you extra protection.
Who to tell
- A trusted friend or family member.
- A teacher or counsellor if you are a student.
- Police or cyber cell.
How do I cope with the fear and shame?
Remember the person threatening you is breaking the law. Talk to someone daily and get support for the fear.
Shame and fear can be overwhelming. Remember that the person threatening you is the one breaking the law.
Counselling can help you cope with the fear and rebuild your sense of safety.
Look after yourself
- Talk to someone you trust each day.
- Limit time reading the messages.
- Get support for the fear and shame.
To talk to Chakkaravarthy RK, call 074024 67044. In an emergency only: 1930 · 112 · 14416 · 181.
Where Feathers fits
Feathers offers confidential counselling online from anywhere or in person in Neyveli, in English or Tamil, to help you cope while the matter is reported.
This guide is published by Feathers Life Coach, a single-practitioner practice in Neyveli, Tamil Nadu, with sessions online for people anywhere in the world.
Questions people ask first
Is it illegal for an ex to share my private photos?
Yes. In India it is a crime under the IT Act and other laws, and in many other countries too.
Should I pay if they ask for money?
No. Paying usually leads to more demands. Report it instead.
How do I report online blackmail in India?
Call 1930 or file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in, or go to the police.
Can I talk to someone confidentially?
Yes. Counselling sessions are private and confidential.
Talk it through with someone
One private conversation can make the next week lighter. Sessions are online by video or voice call from anywhere in the world, or in person in Neyveli, in English or Tamil. Nobody else needs to know.