'I Saw a Video of You' Sextortion DM Scam Examples
DMs claim the sender has a compromising video of you and will share it with your contacts unless you pay immediately — most victims have no such video, and this is a mass-sent script.
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