Few would argue that there’s a certain thrill that comes with online dating. If you’ve ever taken part in it or are actively dating online, you know the feeling. But lurking in the digital shadows is a sinister threat known as sextortion.

On platforms like Bumble, where the search for love or intimacy often begins, predators exploit trust and vulnerability to carry out this devastating crime. The consequences of sextortion are often catastrophic. Victims are left scared, scarred, and shattered.

Many are left with depleted bank accounts and public shame. But knowledge is power, and understanding how sextortion operates is the first step to protecting yourself.

Scammers are always looking for new ways to steal money, and thanks to the Internet, they can do it from anywhere. One category that is growing in the extortion realm is romance scams. 

A romance scam is an umbrella category that covers all instances of a false relationship to take money from victims. These scams utilize tactics like catfishing and extortion to blackmail their victims into succumbing to their demands.

With the recent growth in the use of dating apps and social media, romance scams have become a prevalent issue. It’s estimated that 10% of all dating profiles on easier-to-access or free apps are, in fact, fake accounts. 

Because these apps are [...]

Falling victim to sextortion is a nightmare scenario that no one should face alone. It’s a devastating violation that preys on fear and vulnerability. The urge to simply block the perpetrator and try to forget it ever happened is understandable, but it’s rarely the most effective solution. 

Let’s delve deeper into why.

Blocking a sextortionist might offer temporary relief, like silencing a noisy alarm. But, just like that alarm, the underlying problem persists. In fact, blocking could even make things worse.

Every threat, message, and interaction is a potential piece of evidence. Blocking cuts off [...]