What findom means
Findom, or financial domination, is a kink in which a submissive (often called a paypig or money slave) gets pleasure from giving money or gifts to a dominant, usually called a findomme or financial dominatrix. For the submissive the thrill is in giving up control; there is usually no physical contact at all.
It grew up online, on social media and messaging apps, and many findommes are also professional dominatrixes. Payments might be small regular tributes, paying for meals or shopping, or handing over control of a budget.
How a consensual findom relationship works
A healthy arrangement is agreed in advance: how much, how often, what the dominant can and cannot ask for, and a clear way to stop. The submissive should only ever give money they can genuinely afford to lose, and the excitement should never come at the cost of rent, bills or debt.
Like any kink, it is legal between consenting adults in the UK. Dominants who earn from it are self-employed and taxable like anyone else.
The scams that copy findom
Because findom involves sending money to people you have often never met, it is a magnet for scammers. Warning signs include someone who pressures you within minutes, asks for gift cards, crypto or bank transfers to a third party, or promises to meet once you have paid.
The most serious risk is blackmail, sometimes called sextortion: someone gets intimate photos, your real name or your workplace, then threatens to share them unless you pay. That is a crime, not a kink. Do not pay, stop replying, keep the evidence and report it to the police or Action Fraud. The Revenge Porn Helpline can help get images taken down.
Staying safe
Never share your full name, employer, address or photos of your face with someone you do not know and trust. Use a separate email and payment method, set a firm monthly limit and stick to it, and check our guide to spotting fake profiles.
If giving money starts to feel compulsive, or you are hiding debts, talk to someone. Free, confidential help is available from StepChange and the National Debt Line. More on staying safe: protecting your privacy.
Your questions, answered
What does findom mean?
Findom means financial domination: a kink in which a submissive enjoys giving money or gifts to a dominant, usually online and with no physical contact.
Is findom legal in the UK?
Yes, between consenting adults. Threatening to share someone's photos or details unless they pay is blackmail, which is a crime.
What is a paypig?
Paypig is slang for a submissive in a findom relationship, someone who enjoys paying a financial dominant.