Death threats combined with intimate image sharing represent the most serious escalation of NCII-based harassment. If you believe the threat is credible and immediate, call 911 immediately. Your physical safety takes absolute priority over any other step in this guide.

For non-immediate threats: contact local law enforcement and the FBI (for interstate threats). Federal criminal threats statutes (18 U.S.C. § 875) make it a federal crime to transmit threatening communications in interstate commerce. This applies to online threats regardless of the perpetrator's location relative to you.

Using ScanErase should be initiated in parallel with law enforcement contact, not instead of it. Finding where your face appears online protects you from ongoing harm while law enforcement addresses the threat and pursues the perpetrator.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) has experience with high-threat situations involving intimate imagery and can advise on safety planning. The Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (1-844-878-2274) also provides crisis support for severe NCII harassment situations.

What to do right now

  1. Call 911 or law enforcement immediately if in immediate dangerPhysical safety is the absolute first priority. Law enforcement handles imminent threat situations.
  2. Contact the FBI if the threat involves interstate communicationFederal criminal threats statutes apply to online threats. File an IC3 complaint at ic3.gov for any online death threats.
  3. Run a biometric scan and begin finding exposure in parallelScanErase helps find where your face appears online simultaneously alongside law enforcement response.
  4. Create a safety plan with law enforcement and victim advocatesSafety planning includes physical security, online account security, and monitoring for escalation.
  5. Apply for a civil restraining orderCivil orders provide legal protection and create additional criminal exposure if violated.