CRITICAL THREAT
Sextortion Scam
Scammers threaten to release intimate images or videos unless you pay them, whether or not they actually have any such material.
Losses: $178 million (FBI 2024)
Targets: Young adults, teenagers, men on dating apps
Updated: 2026-01-06
Also known as: Blackmail Scam • Webcam Blackmail • Intimate Image Extortion
1How It Works
There are two main types:
**Type 1: They have real images**
1. You match with someone attractive on a dating app
2. Conversation quickly becomes sexual
3. They ask for intimate photos/videos or engage in video chat
4. They screenshot or record without consent
5. They threaten to send to your family, employer, or post publicly
6. They demand payment to delete
**Type 2: They're bluffing**
You receive an email claiming:
- "I've hacked your webcam and recorded you watching porn"
- "I have your password" (shows an old, leaked password)
- "Pay Bitcoin or I'll send video to your contacts"
Usually a bluff — they're sending millions of these hoping some people pay.
How Scammers Make Contact
Dating appsSocial mediaEmailText
2Warning Signs & Red Flags
- New match quickly pushes for sexual content
- Asks you to move to a different platform immediately
- Email claims to have hacked your webcam (usually fake)
- Message includes an old password (from data breaches)
- Demands payment in crypto or gift cards
- Deadline to pay or content gets released
- Threatening messages continue even after payment
3Real-World Example
"I matched with a girl on Tinder. Within an hour she wanted to video chat. When I did, she recorded me. Then she sent screenshots showing my Facebook profile and threatened to send the video to everyone I know unless I paid $500. I paid. Then she wanted $1,000 more. I realized she'd never stop."
— FBI Internet Crime Report
4How to Protect Yourself
- Never share intimate content with someone you don't know and trust
- Be suspicious if new matches push quickly for sexual content
- Use a webcam cover when not in use
- Keep devices and software updated
- Use unique passwords and a password manager
- Know that most "hacker" emails are bluffs sent to millions
- If you have intimate content online, it may already be compromised — focus on limiting damage
5What To Do If You're a Victim
- 1Don't pay — payment often leads to more demands
- 2Stop communicating with the scammer
- 3Screenshot and save all evidence of the threats
- 4Report to the platform where you met them
- 5Report to FBI IC3 at ic3.gov
- 6Report to NCMEC if you're under 18 at CyberTipline.org
- 7Contact Take It Down (takeitdown.ncmec.org) to help remove images
- 8Talk to someone you trust — this is not your fault
- 9If under 18, tell a trusted adult immediately
Report This Scam
?Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sextortion Scam?
Scammers threaten to release intimate images or videos unless you pay them, whether or not they actually have any such material. There are two main types:
**Type 1: They have real images**
1. You match with someone attractive on a dating app
2. Conversation quickly becomes sexual
3. They ask for intimate photos/videos or engage in video chat
4. They screenshot or record without consent
5. They threaten to send to your family...
How common is this type of scam?
Sextortion Scam is classified as a critical risk threat. Reported losses: $178 million (FBI 2024). This primarily targets Young adults, teenagers, men on dating apps.
Can I get my money back?
Recovery depends on how you paid. Credit card payments may be reversed through chargebacks. Wire transfers and cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable. Report immediately to your bank and file complaints with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and FBI IC3 at ic3.gov.
How do I report this?
Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For internet crimes, file with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. For identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov. Also contact your local police and your bank.
Sources & References
Related Scams
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