Sextortion Complaint in India: Legal Remedies, Cyber Law & What Victims Must Do Immediately

This article is published by The Legal Warning India and written by Advocate Uday Singh.

This article is for general legal information and awareness purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or solicitation. Communication is purely informational, in compliance with Bar Council of India Rule 36.

Information is based on news reports and publicly available legal sources.

Introduction: What Is Sextortion and Why It Is Rising in India

Sextortion is a serious cyber crime where a person is threatened, blackmailed, or extorted using:

• Private photos or videos
• Video call recordings
• Intimate chats or screenshots

The offender usually demands:

• Money
• More explicit content
• Silence from the victim

In India, sextortion cases are rapidly increasing due to:

• Fake profiles on social media
• Dating apps misuse
• Video call traps
• WhatsApp and Telegram blackmail gangs

Common Sextortion Scenarios Reported in India

• Unknown person initiates video call and records it
• Victim receives threat to upload content online
• Money demanded through UPI or crypto
• Repeated pressure after first payment

Important: Paying once almost always increases the harassment.

Is Sextortion a Crime in India?

Yes. Sextortion is a serious criminal offence.

Depending on facts, the act may attract provisions under:

• Information Technology laws
• Criminal laws related to extortion and intimidation
• Laws protecting privacy and dignity

The law does not blame the victim for private acts.
Consent to a call does not mean consent to blackmail.

What Happens If Sextortion Is Ignored?

Many victims avoid complaining due to fear or shame. Ignoring the problem can lead to:

• Repeated money extortion
• Leak of photos or videos
• Targeting of family members
• Mental trauma and anxiety
• Fake social media profiles using victim’s images

Delay gives the criminal more control.

How to File a Sextortion Complaint in India

1️⃣ Preserve Evidence Immediately

• Screenshots of chats
• Call details
• Payment proof
• Usernames and profile links

Do not delete conversations.

2️⃣ Block but Do Not Panic

Block the offender only after saving evidence.

3️⃣ File a Cyber Crime Complaint

A complaint can be filed with cyber authorities.
Details such as phone number, UPI ID, or social profile help tracking.

4️⃣ FIR (If Required)

In serious cases, a formal police complaint may be considered.

Can Sextortion Content Be Removed from the Internet?

Yes, in many cases:

• Platforms can be requested to remove content
• Accounts can be suspended
• URLs can be blocked

Speed is critical.

Do Victims Get Arrested or Harassed?

No. The victim is not treated as an offender.

Law enforcement focuses on:

• The extortion network
• Money trail
• Digital footprints

Fear of police should not stop reporting.

How to Prevent Sextortion

• Avoid video calls with unknown persons
• Do not share intimate content online
• Use privacy settings on social media
• Never pay blackmail money

Awareness is the strongest protection.

What Should You Do Next?

• Stop all communication with the offender
• Preserve evidence
• Seek cyber legal guidance early
• Do not feel ashamed or isolated

Early legal action reduces damage and stress.

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