Last updated on January 19, 2026

Names and places mentioned herein are hypothetical.

Thirusha was at home, enjoying a quiet moment. She was listening to her favorite Spotify playlist and watching the sunset. It was a normal, peaceful evening.

Suddenly, a message popped up on her TikTok inbox.

(ting… a new message)

Unknown TikTok Account:
Your nude photo is in a video on a porn website. Your phone number and email address are also shown there.

Thirusha:
What are you talking about? I have no idea about this.

Unknown TikTok Account:
We found your details on that website. That is how we contacted you on TikTok.

(Sends screenshots showing part of her email and first digits of her phone number, rest hidden)

Thirusha:
These are my details… but why are some parts hidden?

Unknown TikTok Account:
That’s how it appears on the website

Thirusha:
Send me the website link. I want to check it.

Unknown TikTok Account:
I can’t send the link. I also can’t log in. It’s a porn site.

Thirusha:
Then how do I know this is real?

Unknown TikTok Account:
You don’t have time to ask questions. You must act fast to solve this.

Thirusha:
What should I do?

Unknown TikTok Account:
I can’t do anything more. You decide what action you want to take.

(The TikTok account disappears)

(Later, a message pops in from another TikTok account)

Second Account:
We can help you remove the video.

Thirusha:
Who are you?

Second Account:
We handle these issues. But you must cooperate.

Thirusha:
What do you want?

Second Account:
Pay LKR 600,000 or send a similar nude video of yourself.

Thirusha:
Why would I do that?

Second Account:
We will compare the videos and prove it is not you. Then the website will delete it.

She was trembling with fear and then remembered a TikTok video she had recently seen from Hithawathi. The story in that video was very similar to what was happening to her. Because of that, she decided to contact Hithawathi. Hithawathi listened to her story carefully and calmly, and explained that such photos and videos can be easily created using photo editing and mobile apps. She was told that she was not at fault and that she was now safe. Hithawathi asked her to save the relevant links and take screenshots of all the TikTok messages and keep them as proof. These screenshots were needed to make a complaint to the CID – Social Media Unit. She was also advised to stop all contact with the person, block the account, and report it on TikTok. Understanding how stressful this situation can be, Hithawathi shared the Special Mental Health Hotline 1926 and encouraged her to call if she felt scared, anxious, or emotionally disturbed.

Precaution Tips:

  • Do not reply to messages or calls that scare you. Stop and think before doing anything.
  • Do not agree to demands or try to negotiate with scammers. They cannot be trusted.
  • Take screenshots of all messages, calls, or chats from unknown people and save them as proof.
  • Talk to a trusted person or organization, such as a family member or Hithawathi. Do not handle the problem alone.
  • Contact Hithawathi for support in reporting and removing if your pictures, Videos or any other content that harms you are published on the internet.
  • Clearly mentioned, relevant evidence (links, screenshots, etc.) can be handed over to the CID, either by registered post to The Director, Criminal Investigation Department, Colombo 01 or by emailing dir.ccid@police.gov.lk
  • Reach out to 1926 (Special Mental Health Hotline) or Sumithrayo if your feel stressed, upset or down mentally.