Sextortion

What is a Sextortion Scam?

A Sextortion Scam is a form of cyber-enabled extortion in which criminals threaten to share intimate photographs, videos, or fabricated explicit content unless the victim pays money or complies with further demands.

Fraudsters often establish contact through social media platforms, dating applications, messaging services, or video calls. They may persuade victims to share intimate content, secretly record video calls, or use digitally manipulated images created through artificial intelligence (AI). The victim is then threatened with the publication of the material to family, friends, employers, or on social media unless payment is made. Sometimes the fraudsters may even set up social media accounts to defame the victims.

In many cases, even after payment is made, the demands continue, with fraudsters repeatedly seeking more money.

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Warning Signs

Be cautious if someone:

• Quickly attempts to establish an intimate online relationship.
• Encourages you to move conversations to private messaging or video calls.
• Pressures you to share intimate photographs or videos.
• Threatens to publish private content unless money is paid.
• Demands payment through UPI, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or other difficult-to-trace methods.
• Refuses to stop contacting you even after receiving payment.

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What Should You Do?

If you become the target of sextortion:

• Do not panic or make further payments.
• Stop communicating with the blackmailer.
• Preserve all evidence, including messages, screenshots, usernames, payment details, and URLs.
• Block the offender after preserving evidence.
• Report the incident by calling 1930 and file a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
• If intimate content has been shared online, report it immediately to the relevant platform requesting its removal.
• Seek legal advice where necessary regarding available legal remedies.

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How to Protect Yourself

• Be cautious when interacting with unknown individuals online.
• Avoid sharing intimate images or videos over the internet.
• Review and strengthen your social media privacy settings.
• Verify the identity of individuals before engaging in private conversations.
• Remember that online profiles, photographs, and video calls can be fake or manipulated.

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Remember

Sextortion relies on fear, embarrassment, and urgency. Paying the blackmailer rarely ends the threats. Preserve evidence, report the incident promptly, and seek assistance through the appropriate legal and reporting channels.