Video call sextortion: don’t pay, report it
In sextortion scams, an unknown person video calls you (often after a friendly chat), records your face next to an obscene clip, and threatens to send the morphed video to your family or post it online unless you pay. Fake “police” or “YouTube officers” may call next to demand more. Paying only leads to bigger demands.
Stop replying, keep screenshots, report on cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930, and talk to someone you trust. You are not the one at fault.
Last updated: Reviewed by IndiaDigital editorsSources
How does this scam work?
- A friend request or WhatsApp chat from an attractive profile.
- A sudden video call showing explicit content, recorded with your face.
- Threats to share the clip with your contacts unless you pay.
- Follow-up calls from fake police or “cyber officers” demanding a settlement.
Real-style examples
Numbers and links are changed. The red flags are marked by the same engine that runs in the Scam Checker.
I have recorded your video call. Pay Rs 50,000 or I will send this obscene video to all your contacts and make it viral on YouTube.
- Threat to leak a private video
Red flags: how to spot it
- Video calls from unknown numbers
- Threats to make a video “viral”
- Calls from “police” asking for money to delete a video
How to check if it is real
- Don’t answer video calls from unknown numbers.
- Lock your social media friends list so scammers can’t see your contacts.
What to do if you get one
- Don’t pay. Block the account after saving screenshots.
- Report on cybercrime.gov.in (it has a category for this) or call 1930.
- If a clip is posted, report it to the platform.
Remember: Don’t pay: payment only brings bigger demands. Report on cybercrime.gov.in and tell someone you trust.
Lost money? What to do in the first hour
- Call 1930 now. The National Cyber Crime Helpline. The first hour matters most: a quick report lets banks try to hold the money before it moves on.
- File the complaint on cybercrime.gov.in. Add the transaction ID or UTR, amount, time, the UPI ID or account the money went to, and screenshots. Note your complaint number.
- Tell your bank and freeze cards and UPI. Call the number on your card or in the bank app. Reporting within 3 working days can limit your liability under RBI rules.
- Keep the evidence, beware “recovery agents”. Don’t delete chats. Anyone who charges a fee to get your money back is running a second scam.
Frequently asked questions
If I pay, will they delete the video?
Almost never. Payment shows you will pay again. Report instead and stop responding.
Related scams
Sources
National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (1930) · Sanchar Saathi: Chakshu, report suspected fraud communication · RBI: limiting customer liability in unauthorised electronic banking transactions