Sextortion: What It Is and How to Protect Yourself
Don’t Let Scammers Steal Your Power – You Are Not Alone
Imagine this: You’re online, maybe chatting with someone new, sharing a few photos or messages. It all seems harmless—until it’s not. Suddenly, the person on the other side threatens to share private pictures or conversations unless you send more images or pay them money. You feel trapped, ashamed, and scared. This is sextortion—a cruel and dangerous scam that is hurting more and more young people, especially teenage boys.
If this happens to you, know this: you are not alone. Sextortion is designed to make you feel isolated, but there are ways to take back control. This article will help you understand how sextortion works, what to do if you’re targeted, and how to protect yourself from it in the future.
What Is Sextortion?
Sextortion is a form of blackmail where scammers or predators threaten to expose intimate or embarrassing images, videos, or messages unless you meet their demands. Their threats often include:
- Demanding more photos or videos.
- Asking for money or gift cards in exchange for not sharing the content.
- Threatening to send the content to your family, friends, or school.
These scammers often pose as someone around your age, pretending to be friendly, flirtatious, or even romantically interested. They gain your trust, convince you to share something private, and then use it against you.
How Sextortion Scammers Operate
Sextortion can happen on social media platforms, messaging apps, or even through online games. Scammers often use fake profiles with stolen photos to appear genuine. Here’s how they typically operate:
- Fake Friendship or Romance: They strike up a friendly or flirty conversation, making you feel safe.
- Gaining Trust: They share photos or information (which are often fake) to make you feel comfortable sharing something private.
- The Trap is Set: Once they have a compromising image or message, they flip the switch and start making demands.
- Threats and Pressure: The scammer creates a sense of panic by threatening to send the content to your family, friends, or even school.
- Relentless Harassment: They might continue pressuring you, even if you comply with their demands.
If It Happens to You – Don’t Panic
If you find yourself being blackmailed, the most important thing is to stay calm. Scammers want you to feel desperate and act impulsively—but you have options. Here’s what you should do:
1. Stop all communication with the scammer.
- Don’t respond to their messages.
- Block them on all platforms.
- Do not pay them—it rarely stops the threats. Scammers often come back for more money.
2. Preserve evidence.
- Take screenshots of the messages and threats.
- Record usernames, email addresses, and phone numbers used by the scammer.
- This evidence will help the police or online safety organisations investigate.
3. Tell someone you trust immediately.
- It can feel scary to tell a parent, teacher, or another trusted adult, but they can help you.
- You are not in trouble—you are the victim, not the person at fault.
- If you’re too nervous to talk face-to-face, consider writing a note or message.
4. Report it.
- On social media platforms, report the scammer’s account for abuse.
- Contact local authorities or report to organisations like the National Crime Agency (NCA) or Internet Watch Foundation.
- Involve school counselors or safeguarding officers—they can offer support.
5. Seek emotional support.
- Sextortion can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone.
- Speak with school counselors, mental health professionals, or helplines.
- Remember, this is not your fault, and you deserve help.
How to Protect Yourself from Sextortion Scams
The best way to deal with sextortion is to avoid falling into the trap in the first place. Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Think twice before sharing private images. Even if you trust someone now, relationships can change, and images can be misused.
- Limit what you share publicly. Avoid posting personal details that scammers can use to target you, like your school, location, or interests.
- Be cautious with new online connections. Scammers often create fake profiles with stolen images. If someone seems too good to be true, they probably are.
- Never give in to demands. Scammers rely on fear and panic. Don’t let them control you with threats.
- Use privacy settings. Adjust your social media settings so only trusted people can see your posts and personal information.
- Don’t be afraid to say no. If someone pressures you for photos or information, block and report them immediately.
For Parents and Adults: How to Help Young People
If you’re a parent, teacher, or guardian, it’s important to create a safe environment where children and teens feel comfortable talking to you. Here’s how you can help:
- Create an open dialogue. Talk about online safety regularly. Make it clear that you are a safe person to turn to if something goes wrong.
- Avoid being judgmental. Sextortion victims often fear being blamed. Reassure them that they won’t be punished or judged.
- Know the signs. Changes in mood, secrecy, or sudden anxiety around devices could indicate they are being targeted.
- Offer support, not blame. Focus on protecting and helping them rather than asking why they were targeted.
- Report and get help. Support your child in reporting the scam and seeking emotional support if needed.
You Are Not Alone
Sextortion preys on fear and shame, making victims feel powerless—but you are not powerless. By speaking up and seeking help, you can protect yourself and others. You are not defined by what has happened to you, and you deserve support.
At BeScamAware, we believe in empowering young people with knowledge. Together, we can create a safer online world by understanding scams, standing against exploitation, and supporting each other. Remember the SCAM methodology works here aswell.
If you or someone you know is being targeted by sextortion, don’t stay silent. Reach out. You are stronger than you think, and help is always available. 💙