Moroccan Sextortion Scams: What To Do If You’re a Target

Morocco has been named as the world capital of sextortion. The increased use of the internet for person-to-person contact has provided Morocco with a means to target those abroad. 

Morocco itself appears to harbor a large number of sextortionists. This appears to be an issue of failure to arrest the individuals and the ease at which the criminals can access money through transfer agencies. 

Scammers seek the internet as a means to operate because they can hide behind layers of anonymity. Protective barriers of fake accounts, imitation, and deception allow an individual to operate almost anywhere. Their ability to target those living outside the country means they can operate without fear of extradition.

What Is a Moroccan Sextortion Scam?

A Moroccan sextortion scam is similar to one that may take place anywhere else in the world. Morocco has become synonymous with sextortion scams because of its lack of action on the issue. 

A sextortion scam is a blend of blackmail and catfishing. The scammers seek out sexual content that they can use against their victims in order to get money.

A disguise is an important part of the sextortion scam. The scammer must build out a believable profile of the person they will become. They create fake emails, fake accounts, and fake names for their profile. The sextortionist will steal pictures from an attractive person and build a persona to be used online against their victim.

The extortion portion of a sextortion scam is the extortionist’s ability to use some sort of leverage against their victim. Sextortionists look to blackmail to get their victims to pay them money. They rely on shame tactics and threats to get their victims to comply with their demands.

How Does a Moroccan Sextortion Scam Work?

Sextortionists gravitate toward social media and dating apps. For social media, they may have stalked victims who feel like they can target. They’ll send a friend request out of the blue and engage in a friendly conversation. Some scammers specialize in certain social media apps or sites, such as Facebook, where it has become commonplace to target elderly users.

On the dating scene, there are plenty of apps that don’t require payment and verification. Because these accounts are free to create, they entice users to try them out, but that also means that scammers can operate them for free. 

A sextortionist will use a dating app to match with as many people as they can and use false information in their profile to appear relevant. They may often put that they’re in “traveling mode” for the apps that show their true location or distance.

Once a connection is made with their target, the sextortionist will likely ask to take the conversation to a messaging app. Moving to a messaging app means that they can engage in sexual behavior and send or receive content. 

The sextortionist may send sexual content and ask for some in exchange. When their victim supplies pictures, videos, or text, these images and videos will be saved through screen recordings and screenshots. 

The sextortionist will investigate their target by using the details in their profile to find out who they are and who their friends and family are. If possible, they will even dig up information about where they work and who their colleagues are. 

The content and information they have about their victim will be used to blackmail them. The scammer will demand money in exchange for keeping silent.

What Can I Do If I’m a Target of Sextortion?

If you or a loved one has been involved with a sextortionist, it’s important to seek help. If the scammer is demanding money, do not pay. 

While this experience is frightening, most sextortionists do not act on their threats. If money has already been exchanged for fear of exposure, the scammers will continue to harass their victims.

One of the main reasons a sextortionist will not make good on their threat is that they risk losing money. A victim will not be likely to pay their scammer if the threat is carried out. There’s still a possibility that the pictures will be released regardless. If the victim is aware of the threat being acted upon, they will likely stop communicating.

The other main reason a sextortionist won’t release the content is that they don’t want to draw attention. If government agencies get involved, they risk facing legal ramifications. If the scammer is in possession of sexual images of a minor, this could escalate the issue even further for them.

If you or someone you know needs help, here are a few quick steps to take:

• Stop Communication: Don’t continue the conversation with the scammer or do what you can to buy yourself more time.
  

• Don’t Pay: A scammer will not leave you alone if you pay and will continue to hold their leverage against you.
  

• If You’ve Paid: Even if you’ve paid, you can still take action to bring the scammer to justice.
  

• Secure Your Accounts: Tighten your security across as many accounts as you can. Make your public accounts private and ensure you’re not displaying sensitive information that can be used to find you. Even small bits of information across different platforms can be used to identify you.
  
• Contact Authorities: The FBI has the resources to help people who have been involved in sextortion scams. If the issue involves a minor, you can contact the NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children).

For those who want to ensure their sextortionist is brought to justice, their personal information is secure, and to prevent the release of their sensitive information, Digital Forensics can help. We have a dedicated 24/7 helpline where we can help victims of sextortion take control of the situation. 

Our team of experts consists of social engineers, digital forensics engineers, and lawyers who specialize in cybercrimes. We have the tools, abilities, and track record to take on sextortionists.

Sources:

Moroccan City of Oued Zem Named World Capital of Sextortion | Morocco World News

Financially Motivated Sextortion | FBI

Sextortion | FBI

Take It Down | NCMEC