What Is Sextortion?

Sextortion is the marriage of the words “sexual” and “extortion.” It’s where scammers use sexually explicit images or videos to blackmail their victims. Sadly, sextortion is all too common in the 21st century, as scammers have far more avenues to execute their crimes.

From dating apps to text messages, sextortion seems to have few limits. Moreover, the incidence of sextortion is rising alarmingly, with reports indicating a significant increase in cases involving minors.

As if sextortion cases weren’t bad enough already, involving minors brings it to a whole new level of low. The FBI and other legal entities are pushing out the need for greater sextortion awareness. If you or someone you love is a victim of sextortion, immediate action is a must.

Sextortion Overview

We know that sextortion involves making someone do something under the threat of having their intimate images shared. That “something” is usually money, but it can also be more explicit images or videos. No matter what the request is, it’s blackmail.

This form of blackmail can occur both on and offline. Online sextortion often happens through social media platforms, apps, and live-streaming services. Offline sextortion typically involves individuals known to the victim, such as a partner or acquaintance.

According to FBI reports and law enforcement agencies, the prevalence of sextortion is increasing. And sadly, it involves minors. In 2023, there were more than 10,000 cases of sextortion involving minors. And those are only the ones that were reported. Odds are that number is actually much higher.

While sextortion can happen to anyone, it’s worth noting that vulnerable populations are more likely to be targeted, such as children and teenagers, the LGBTQ+ community, and boys.

Victims of sextortion are at risk for mental health issues, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts and behavior. Sexual exploitation can have long-lasting effects on the mental health of its victims.

Thus, the need for online safety — whether adults or children — is paramount. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) works hard to relay the need for strong online safety, as it can go a long way in preventing sextortion from taking place.

How Does Sextortion Happen?

It needs to be stated that sextortion has no age limits. It can and does affect adults, teenagers, and children. The tactics used in sextortion scams are wide-ranging. Scammers often create fake online profiles on social media. They’ll pose as fellow peers to gain trust.

Grooming

By grooming, scammers will manipulate their victims, getting them to share intimate pictures or take part in sexual acts on video chat. It’s this media that is then used against the unsuspecting user; blackmailing for money usually comes next.

Hacking

And then there’s outright hacking. It’s another common method criminals use in sextortion scams. Sextortionists claim to have hacked a victim’s device, presenting stolen passwords or other personal information as proof.

Once they have your attention, they’ll demand more explicit content or monetary compensation, which is almost always in the form of gift cards (they’re harder to track). Some predators will even promise gifts or incentives to lure victims into sharing sexual images. They will do whatever it takes to gain the trust — and desired content — of the online user.

Phishing Attempts

Phishing and fake links are also prevalent tactics. Victims receive messages with links that supposedly lead to compromising content. If a link is clicked on, it’ll commence downloading malware, which opens a door for sextortionists to access personal data and content.

Some predators pose as modeling agencies for their sextortion scams. They’ll ask for risque images under the false pretense that they’re building a portfolio.

Social Media and Apps

The role of apps, social media, and live streaming in sextortion cannot be overstated. Platforms like Snapchat and Instagram are commonly used by sextortionists to contact and exploit victims. These platforms allow easy sharing of explicit photos and provide anonymity for the perpetrators.

As you can see, there’s no limit scammers won’t go to to get what they want. Some are easier to spot than others, and some require an educated mind to identify as a scam. That’s why it’s so important for everyone to stay current on all the latest scams, trends, and news.

At Digital Forensics, we offer a huge database of tools, insights, and resources to keep you in the know. We encourage you to take the time to explore it. With a greater understanding of sextortion and online romance scams, you’ll be better prepared to dodge the onslaught of sexual exploitation on the internet.

What Are the Red Flags To Look For?

You have to know what warning signs to look for if you hope to assist young people impacted by sextortion. Look for changes in your kid’s behavior. Do they seem withdrawn? Do they avoid social activities? Has their mood suddenly changed?

Suspicious online activities can also indicate a problem. Monitor their social media accounts for unusual interactions or secretive behavior. Unexplained financial transactions, like purchasing gift cards, may be a sign that a child is trying to comply with a sextortionist’s demands.

Open communication with your children is a must. Encourage children to talk about their online interactions and any uncomfortable experiences. By providing a safe space to talk and share, you’re actually combating the isolation sextortion and cyberbullying causes.

Beyond that, you must also present a blueprint for proper online behavior. That means absolutely no sharing explicit content. Make it known that once an image is online, there’s a good chance it will be online “forever.”

Promote safe tech practices. Encourage responsible digital communication and privacy settings on social media accounts. And above all, if they’ve been compromised in any way, tell someone about it. From the FBI to local law enforcement to Digital Forensics, resources ARE available to aid sextortion victims.

How Can Digital Forensics Help?

At Digital Forensics, we use a multitude of cutting-edge tech and techniques to collect evidence and fight for victims of sextortion and blackmail. Whether it’s IP tracking to target the bad guys or online surveillance to get the information we need, we’re armed with the knowledge and experience you need to get real results.

In fact, our methods are so effective that we have a 90% success rate in finding the scammer and getting them to stop. With odds like that, you know we’re passionate about protecting the innocent. So take charge today. Partner with Digital Forensics or call our helpline to regain control of your life.

Sources:

FBI issues warning about “sextortion” threats targeting minors | CBS San Francisco

NCMEC Releases New Sextortion Data | Missing Kids.org

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children | NCMEC

What Are the Risks of Clicking on Malicious Links? | McAfee Blog