Sextortion is a form of cybercrime in which criminals engage in non-consensual sexual activity that is only carried out upon receiving payment, blackmailing victims into providing explicit photos, distasteful videos, or financial information. It is a type of extortion that takes place over the internet, and is often carried out by taking advantage of an online relationship.
The crime utilizes technology such as social media platforms, webcams, and email to intimidate and control victims. It is often initiated through social media platforms or other online conversations. It can occur between two individuals, or some cases involve an organized group of criminals.
Sextortion scams generally begin when a perpetrator (or perpetrators) make contact with a victim via social media or email, and slowly builds trust through “love-bombing,” which is when fake compliments, extravagant gifts and flattery are used. Once the victim’s trust and affection is gained, the perpetrator than asks the victim to share photos, videos, or other forms of revealing content.
The content submitted by the victim is then used to blackmail or extort the victim into performing favors, including sexual acts. The perpetrator may threaten, via email or other messages, to post the explicit photos or videos online, or may threaten to contact the victim’s friends or family.
In some cases, perpetrators also utilize ransom ware to extort payments from unsuspecting victims. Sextortion typically leads to high levels of psychological trauma, especially if threats to the victim’s safety or life are also made. As such, victims of sextortion should contact their local authorities if they feel threatened.
Sextortion is an increasing and complex problem that affects people of all genders, ages, and economic backgrounds. It is essential to report all instances of sextortion to the proper authorities, even if the threats were not fulfilled or the perpetrator was able to extort a payment from you.
