The internet is an amazing tool that helps us stay connected but staying safe online means knowing the risks. One serious threat is sextortion, a form of online blackmail that can profoundly affect anyone. The good news is that we can all learn how to recognize and stop it, and by taking action, you help protect everyone online. In recent years, financially motivated sextortion has unfortunately increased sharply, with a 2024 global study finding that 1 in 7 adults have experienced someone threatening to share intimate images. Together, we can make a change!
What is sextortion?
Sextortion is a crime where scammers threaten to share private sexual images, videos, or personal information unless you meet their demands. These demands often include paying money, buying gift cards, or performing other actions you do not want to do.
Here’s the key takeaway: Anyone can be a target, even if you’ve never shared an intimate photo. Criminals are incredibly skilled and can use sophisticated tools like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create convincing fake images or videos.
How to #Befraudsmart and spot the warning signs
Criminals operate everywhere: dating apps, social media, webcams, gaming platforms, and messaging services. They will often use fake identities, or “catfish”, to build trust quickly.
Be smart and watch out for these red flags:
- Quick starters: They rush into a serious or sexual relationship extremely quickly, sometimes sending an intimate image early to normalize it, and may ask in return for intimate images or sexual videos.
- Boundary pushers: They repeatedly pressure you to do things – particularly sexual things you have clearly said you are not comfortable with.
- Wide networkers: They send friend requests to many people they don’t know to see who will engage, often reaching out to people they have never met.
- Threat makers: They claim to have hacked your account, accessed your contacts, or obtained images of you, and then demand money immediately.
Remember: I #BeFraudSmart if someone you’ve just met online rushes to talk sexually or asks for intimate images, it’s a major warning sign and potentially an attempt at sextortion.
Proactive prevention: taking control of your safety
The best defense is a great offense! Follow these steps to significantly reduce your risk:
- Maximize your privacy: Go through the privacy and security settings on all your social media, messaging, and gaming apps. Limit who can see your posts and send messages only to people you trust.
- Do not share personal information: Avoid sharing highly personal details (like your exact home address, workplace, or sensitive financial info) with strangers online. Criminals can use this to make their threats sound more believable.
- Verify profiles: Be wary of profiles that have very few photos, use professional-looking model shots, or have no mutual friends. Take a moment to reverse-image search for their photos to see if they’re fake.
- Never open attachments from strangers: Malicious attachments can be used to install malware that gives criminals access to your device.
- Talk to someone: If you are unsure about an online interaction, tell a trusted friend or family member. A second opinion can often spot a scam instantly.
Here’s what to do if you are targeted
Be calm, help is available! If you think you are being targeted, here are the immediate, empowering steps you can take:
- Stop all communication: Block the person immediately on all platforms. Use the built-in reporting and blocking tools on all your apps. Cutting off contact is the first step in regaining control.
- Save the evidence: Do not delete messages you have received. Take screenshots of all messages and profiles. This is crucial evidence for law enforcement and removal tools.
- Do not pay or meet demands: Paying will not make the problem go away. Criminals will almost always ask for more money and may share the images anyway. By refusing to pay, you stop the cycle.
- Report the incident: Contact your local law enforcement. Share the evidence you saved. If you accidentally sent money, notify your financial institution right away.
- Know it’s not your fault: The person trying to extort you is committing a serious crime. Reaching out for help not only protects you but also provides key information that helps authorities stop criminals and prevents others from becoming victims.
Where to find help
These organizations offer confidential advice, guidance, and tools to help you navigate a sextortion situation. You don’t have to face this alone. If you’re dealing with sextortion or just want trusted guidance, the organizations below can help you take control, get support, and protect yourself with confidence:
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)
The Internet Watch Foundation – Sextortion guidance and image removal tools.
Stop Non-Consensual Intimate Image Abuse
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Financially motivated sextortion resources.
eSafteyCommissioner Australia – Guidance for dealing with sextortion.
United Kingdom Police
