Put safety before collecting more.
If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911. Do not reply to an extortion demand, open unknown attachments, or follow links to “verify” a threat. Do not test exposed passwords or enter someone else’s accounts. If your device may be monitored, consider a safer way to arrange help. SPARC provides stalking safety and documentation guidance.
Keep originals and useful copies.
- Retain original messages, emails, voicemails, and payment receipts. Avoid deleting or editing the originals.
- Save screenshots showing the full message, sender or username, date, and time. Keep the surrounding conversation for context.
- Record profile names and page URLs already available to you. Note when you saw the content; do not revisit suspicious links to gather more.
- Keep transaction dates, amounts, receipt numbers, and payment-provider references in a private folder.
The FBI recommends preserving electronic threats. Screenshots are useful copies; keep the original messages too. Avoid publicly posting sensitive material while seeking help.
Make a short timeline.
For each event, write the date, time, what happened, and the matching filename or message. Separate what you observed from what you suspect. For repeated unwanted contact, log each occurrence and any report numbers. Keep a copy somewhere the person involved cannot readily access.
Use official reporting channels.
If money was sent, contact your bank or payment provider promptly using a trusted number or app. The FTC explains steps after a scam. Be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed recovery.
Report scams through ReportFraud.ftc.gov, online crime through the FBI’s IC3, and appropriate consumer complaints through North Carolina DOJ. Contact local law enforcement about threats. Read each agency’s submission instructions before uploading private records.
Need help organizing the facts?
DarkWater can review appropriate messages and sources and prepare a documented timeline within a paid, agreed scope. This is not emergency response or a promise to recover money or stop a threat. See scam and digital-investigation services or stalking and private-matter documentation.
Your first text needs only the concern, city, and a safe way to reply. Keep evidence, passwords, identity documents, and private messages out of texts and public forms.