A Free Public Service

September 11, 2024

SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is an inactive attorney in San Mateo County, California, USA.

SEXTORTION SCAMS   

Attribution: scambusters.org

Sextortion stands out as a particularly subtle form of cybercrime threatening to expose personal or fake information.

Sextortionists methods can vary, but the common goal is to prey on their victims through social media platforms, dating apps, or email phishing scams.

 These perpetrators might pose as acquaintances or love interests to build trust, gradually coaxing their targets into sharing compromising material. Once the perpetrator has made that connection, the table turns quickly, and they start threatening to release the contents unless their demands for money are met.

They may use hacked accounts to lend credibility to their threats, making them seem more legitimate. Understanding these methods can help potential victims identify red flags early in their interactions.

Who Falls Victim to Sextortion?

While sextortion can affect anyone, certain groups are more vulnerable due to their online behavior or lack of awareness. Teenagers and young adults who frequently engage in digital communication and social media are often targeted.  Adults can become victims, particularly those who engage in online dating or social media networking. Perpetrators have stooped so low as to search for surviving widows or widowers by reading newspaper obituaries. They are looking for a lonely victim.

Dangers of Sextortion

The repercussions of sextortion extend beyond immediate financial loss but can destroy a person’s reputation. Other serious outcomes are:

*Victims often experience intense psychological distress including anxiety, depression, and shame. The fear of exposure can lead to social withdrawal, impacting their personal and professional relationships.

*The perpetrator instills fear into the victim to make them act quickly, scamming them out of money, and the victim just hopes they will go away. This is almost never the case. The perpetrator will continue their threats.

*In severe cases, the psychological impact can be devastating, leading to self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

*It’s crucial for victims to know they are not alone and that help is available. By creating a supportive environment where victims feel safe to speak out.

Victims can report their experiences to local law enforcement department and the US Federal Trade Commission www.ftc.gov/fraud.

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