Scam library
Sextortion threats
Someone threatens to share private photos or claims to have recordings unless you pay.
Talked about today114K interactions
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Last 14 days
Social interactions on posts about "sextortion", from LunarCrush.
What it looks like
Email: I know your password is example123. I hacked your webcam and recorded you. Pay $1,500 in Bitcoin within 48 hours or I send the video to your contacts.
DM: I have your pics. Pay $500 now or I send them to your friends and family. I have your followers list.
DM after chatting: Send me money or I post these online and tag your school.
How it works
In one version, an email shows an old password from a data breach and falsely claims they recorded you. In another, a fake profile flirts, gets a photo and then threatens to share it unless paid. They want money by crypto, gift card or payment app, and they often keep demanding more after you pay.
The tells
- An email with an old password and a threat
- A demand for crypto or gift cards
- A short deadline
- A new online friend who quickly asks for photos
- Threats to send content to your contacts
If you got one
- Do not pay. Paying usually leads to more demands.
- Stop responding and block, but keep screenshots of messages and the profile.
- Change any password shown in the email, and turn on two-step sign-in.
- Report to ic3.gov. For anyone under 18, also use NCMEC's free Take It Down service and CyberTipline.
If you already paid or shared something
- Stop paying and stop responding. Keep every message.
- Report to ic3.gov with the account names and payment details.
- Talk to someone you trust. If you are a parent, stay calm with your child. They are the victim.
- If anyone feels unsafe or talks about self-harm, call or text 988.
Who gets targeted
Everyone gets breach emails. Teen boys and young men are frequent targets of the photo version.
Related: How do I set up my kid's first phone safely?
Kit: The Family Kit