Sextortion scam
Quick answer
A scammer threatens to share private or intimate content unless you pay, sometimes claiming they hacked your device.
- Preserve evidence, stop communicating, and report to the platform and police. If you are a minor or the victim involves a minor, contact local police and a child-protection hotline immediately.
What it is
A scammer threatens to share private or intimate content unless you pay, sometimes claiming they hacked your device.
How it works
After contact or an exchange of images, the scammer demands payment and threatens to send content to your contacts.
Red flags to watch for
- Threats to expose images or messages
- Demands for payment, often in crypto
- Claims of having hacked your camera or contacts
Example
An email claims to have private footage and demands payment in crypto. This is risky and these claims are usually bluffs designed to scare you into paying.
What not to do
- Do not pay
- Do not reply
- Do not send more images
The safe next step
Preserve evidence, stop communicating, and report to the platform and police. If you are a minor or the victim involves a minor, contact local police and a child-protection hotline immediately.
Often seen on: Email, Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp.
Commonly targets: Teenagers and young adults, Anyone online.
How to verify safely
- Do not use links, phone numbers, QR codes, or email addresses from the suspicious message.
- Open the official app or website yourself - type the address manually.
- Call a contact you have saved, or the number printed on your bank card.
- If you are threatened or in immediate danger, contact local emergency services or police.
How to report it
Report to the platform and your local police. Many countries have dedicated hotlines.
Find official links for your country in the scam reporting directory.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a sextortion scam?
A scammer threatens to share private or intimate content unless you pay, sometimes claiming they hacked your device.
How can I avoid a sextortion scam?
Preserve evidence, stop communicating, and report to the platform and police. If you are a minor or the victim involves a minor, contact local police and a child-protection hotline immediately.
What should I do if I have already been affected?
Contact your bank or the relevant provider through official channels, change any exposed passwords from a trusted device, and save evidence. See our recovery guides, and be wary of recovery scams that promise to get your money back for a fee.