'I Saw a Video of You' Sextortion DM Scam Examples
A message claims the sender has hacked your device or accessed your webcam and recorded a compromising video of you, threatening to send it to your contacts or post it publicly unless you pay immediately, often in cryptocurrency. In the vast majority of cases there is no real video or hack — this is a mass-sent script relying on fear and embarrassment to make a small percentage of recipients panic and pay. The scammer's only real goal is a fast, untraceable payment. Do not pay, do not reply, and do not engage with the sender in any way.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
I have a video of you from your webcam. Pay [amount] in crypto to [address] within 24 hours or I send it to everyone you know.
Your camera was accessed while you were on an adult site. I have proof. Pay now or your family sees this.
I recorded you through your device. You have 48 hours to pay [amount] or I post this everywhere. Don't contact police.
I saw what you did. I have video. Send [amount] to [crypto address] or your friends and employer will all receive a copy.
What the scammer wants
To extort a payment using fear and embarrassment. In nearly all cases no video exists — this is a mass-sent script exploiting the possibility that a small percentage of recipients will pay.
Red flags in the message
- No specific details — just vague claims about 'a video' with no evidence
- Demand for cryptocurrency to prevent tracing
- Short deadline to create panic
- Instruction not to contact the police
- Sent from an account with no history or a brand-new profile
A safe response
Do not pay. Do not reply. Block the sender. Report the message to the platform. Contact a trusted person or support service if distressed. Payment does not stop further demands.
What not to send
- Any cryptocurrency payment
- Personal information
- Any acknowledgement that the claim might be true
What to do if you already replied
- If you paid, report to your national cybercrime unit — recovery is sometimes possible
- Do not pay a second demand — paying marks you as a target for escalation
- Contact a support line such as the Revenge Porn Helpline or Cyber Civil Rights Initiative if distressed
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot the full message or call details
- Note the sender number, email, or profile
- Save any links (without clicking) and payment details
- Record dates and times
Frequently asked questions
How do I know for sure they don't actually have a video?
In the overwhelming majority of these messages, the claim is entirely false and part of a script sent to many people at once, with no actual video or hack involved. If you're still worried, disconnect the device from the internet and have it checked by someone knowledgeable rather than paying.
I already paid — will they actually delete anything or leave me alone?
There is no video to delete since none exists in the vast majority of cases, so payment does not solve anything; scammers frequently return with further demands even after being paid once. Stop paying and consider reporting the payment and account to relevant fraud authorities.
Should I reply to try to reason with them or prove they're bluffing?
No, avoid replying entirely — any response confirms your account is active and being read, which can lead to more pressure or messages. The safest response is not to engage at all, then block and report the account.
I'm embarrassed and scared — who can I actually talk to about this?
This is a common, mass-targeted scam, and reaching out to someone you trust or a support service can help you feel less alone with it. You can also report the message to the platform it arrived on and, if you feel unsafe, to local law enforcement.