SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
Sextortion Is A Type Of Online Extortion Scam Where The Scammer Threatens To Release Sexually Explicit Images Or Videos Of The Victim Unless They Pay A Ransom
New Sextortion Victims click here to visit ScamVictimsSupport.org
The sextortion scammer may have obtained these images or videos through hacking, social engineering, or by convincing the victim to send them voluntarily.
Blackmail is a similar scam, but the scammer does not necessarily have any compromising information about the victim. Instead, they may threaten to make false accusations against the victim, damage their reputation, or harm their loved ones.
Both sextortion and blackmail scams are serious crimes and are typically investigated by the FBI or National Police. If you are targeted by one of these scams, it is important not to panic and to report it to the authorities immediately. See reporting.AgainstScams.org to learn where to report them.
Here are some tips to help you avoid being targeted by sextortion or blackmail scams:
- Be careful about what information you share online, especially with strangers.
- Do not click on links or open attachments from emails or messages from people you do not know.
- Be wary of any requests for personal information, such as your passwords or financial information.
- If you are ever threatened with the release of compromising information, do not give in to the scammer’s demands. Instead, report the scam to the authorities.
If you have been targeted by a sextortion or blackmail scam, there are a few things you can do:
- Do not panic. The scammer is counting on you to be scared and to do whatever they say.
- Do not pay the ransom. This will only encourage the scammer to target you or others in the future.
- How to survive this: Surviving Sextortion / Sexual Photo Blackmail (romancescamsnow.com)
- Report the scam to the authorities. This includes the police, the FBI, and your internet service provider.
- Save all of the emails, messages, and other communications you have received from the scammer. This will be helpful for the authorities.
- Change your passwords and security settings on all of your online accounts.
- Be vigilant about your online activity in the future.
If you have been targeted by a sextortion, extortion, or blackmail scam, it is important to remember that you are not alone. These scams are becoming increasingly common, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself. By following the tips above, you can help to keep yourself safe from these criminals.
Sextortion Scams
- Sextortion Victims Support – The Essentials – 2024 (scamvictimssupport.org)
- Sextortion Help For Teen Guys! (scamvictimssupport.org)
- Sextortion Help For Teen Girls! (scamvictimssupport.org)
- Introduction To Sextortion Scams (romancescamsnow.com)
- Sextortion – An FBI Warning (romancescamsnow.com)
- A Despicable New Sextortion Scam! Scamming The Parents Of Dead Children! (romancescamsnow.com)
- Sexting And Romance Scams – A Path To Sextortion & Blackmail (romancescamsnow.com)
- The Dangers Of Phone Sex In Romance Scams (romancescamsnow.com)
Managing & Recovering
- Surviving Sextortion / Sexual Photo Blackmail (scamvictimssupport.org)
- What Happens When Sextortion Goes Wrong (scamvictimssupport.org)
- Helping Someone Survive Image-Based Abuse (scamvictimssupport.org)
- Sextortion & Image-Based Abuse Resources (scamvictimssupport.org)
- Copyright Basics & Takedowns for Scam Victims (scamvictimssupport.org)
Related News
Sextortion Media
- FBI Says Sextortion Activity on the Rise – SCARS|PODCAST™ [AUDIO] [TAMBIEN EN ESPAÑOL] (romancescamsnow.com)
- SCARS™ Insight: Avoid Teen Sextortion [VIDEO] (romancescamsnow.com)
- What Is Sextortion? Official FBI Video – SCARS™ ScamTV Video (romancescamsnow.com)
- OFFICIAL FBI PODCAST – Sextortion Case (romancescamsnow.com)
- OFFICIAL U.S. Government Document: Joint Services Sextortion Brochure (romancescamsnow.com)
Extortion Scams
- Romance Scams & Eastern European Style Extortion Traps (romancescamsnow.com)
- Doxware – An Evolution In Malware/Extortionware (romancescamsnow.com)
- SCARS Subject Of International Extortion Attempt (romancescamsnow.com)
- SCARS™ Scam Definition: EXTORTION (romancescamsnow.com)
- SCARS FAQ: Internet Extortion Scams? (romancescamsnow.com)
Reporting Sextortion
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ARTICLE META
Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
- Enroll in FREE SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
SCARS Institute articles examine different aspects of the scam victim experience, as well as those who may have been secondary victims. This work focuses on understanding victimization through the science of victimology, including common psychological and behavioral responses. The purpose is to help victims and survivors understand why these crimes occurred, reduce shame and self-blame, strengthen recovery programs and victim opportunities, and lower the risk of future victimization.
At times, these discussions may sound uncomfortable, overwhelming, or may be mistaken for blame. They are not. Scam victims are never blamed. Our goal is to explain the mechanisms of deception and the human responses that scammers exploit, and the processes that occur after the scam ends, so victims can better understand what happened to them and why it felt convincing at the time, and what the path looks like going forward.
Articles that address the psychology, neurology, physiology, and other characteristics of scams and the victim experience recognize that all people share cognitive and emotional traits that can be manipulated under the right conditions. These characteristics are not flaws. They are normal human functions that criminals deliberately exploit. Victims typically have little awareness of these mechanisms while a scam is unfolding and a very limited ability to control them. Awareness often comes only after the harm has occurred.
By explaining these processes, these articles help victims make sense of their experiences, understand common post-scam reactions, and identify ways to protect themselves moving forward. This knowledge supports recovery by replacing confusion and self-blame with clarity, context, and self-compassion.
Additional educational material on these topics is available at ScamPsychology.org – ScamsNOW.com and other SCARS Institute websites.
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
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