Sextortion, a type of blackmail scam, is on the rise with devastating, and in some cases fatal, consequences. Several reports of people, including teenagers, committing suicide in the UK and overseas, have pushed this heinous crime into the spotlight. Whilst there are no official figures on sextortion, a freedom of information request by the BBC, recently revealed that 33 police forces in England and Wales, recorded almost 8,000 blackmail cases linked to sextortion last year. This was compared to just 23 cases in 2014, demonstrating an exponential rise in this type of scam over the last decade.
What is sextortion?
Sextortion is a form of online blackmail where a person is hacked or manipulated into sending explicit, often sexual, images or videos. They’re then threatened with the release of that material unless they comply with the blackmailer’s demands. These demands may include money or additional explicit material. Due to the personal and sensitive nature of the content, this type of crime can have serious emotional, psychological, and financial consequences for victims.
How does sextortion, or blackmail scams, occur?
Sextortion, or other blackmail scams, typically occur online. Scammers often target their victims on social media, messaging apps, or dating platforms. They’ll start by gaining the trust of the victim, or hack into their accounts, to obtain compromising material. Once they have this type of personal content, they threaten to share it with the person’s friends, family, or even publicly if the victim doesn’t give into their demands.
Why is sextortion increasing?
The rise in sextortion cases has been fuelled by the widespread use of smartphones, increased access to the internet and the proliferation of social media and dating platforms. These tools make it easier for criminals to access and exploit private material. Online anonymity and the global nature of the internet also allow scammers to operate across different jurisdictions, often with little risk of being caught. Scammers have also been known to share information on how to scam. A recent report by the Guardian also revealed that guides to sextortion were readily available online with criminals offering additional tuition on how to scam people for a fee.
Who is responsible for sextortion and why do they do it?
Sextortion can be carried out by anyone, from lone individuals to organised criminals. The motivations and methods differ depending on who is behind the crime. Cybercriminals who hack into personal accounts to steal personal data are financially motivated. The same is true of romance scammers, who sometimes build a rapport and share explicit content, before using it to extort money out of their victims.
However, in other cases, sextortion is linked to sexual abuse and/or human trafficking. This is where perpetrators force victims into performing sexual acts on camera and then use the footage to manipulate and control them. Sextortion can also be committed by someone the victim knows. This is typically an ex-partner, who threatens to release private messages, obtained during the relationship, often referred to as “revenge porn.”
Who can help Sextortion victims?
If you’ve been targeted by scammers, then you’re not alone. More people in the UK are affected by scams than any other crime. Help and support is available via the following organisations.
Police
Sextortion is a crime. In an emergency, if you feel that you’re in immediate danger, you should always dial 999. If you’re not in current danger, you should call 101 to report a crime.
National Crime Agency (NCA)
The NCA deals with serious and organised crime, including sextortion. Victims can report cases directly through the NCA’s Cyber Crime Unit or seek advice from their website: National Crime Agency
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP)
CEOP is a branch of the NCA that deals with crimes related to the exploitation of children, including sextortion. Young victims (or their guardians) can report incidents and receive support directly through the CEOP website.
NSPCC (Childline)
Childline provides support to children and young people under 19 who are experiencing sextortion or any form of online abuse. They offer phone, chat, and email support. Helpline: 0800 1111 and website: Childline
Victim Support
Victim Support offers free, confidential support to victims of crime, including those impacted by sextortion. They provide emotional support, guidance on reporting the crime, and practical advice on how to handle the situation. Find out more via: Victim Support
The Samaritans
For those struggling with suicidal thoughts or severe emotional distress following sextortion, the Samaritans offer a confidential, 24/7 helpline for anyone in need of someone to talk to. For more information visit: Samaritans.
The Revenge Porn Helpline
The Revenge Porn Helpline provides support for individuals who have had private images shared without their consent. Further information is available on the website: Revenge Porn Helpline
Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)
The IWF works to remove illegal content, including sexual exploitation materials, from the internet. Victims can report abusive or explicit content involving them, and the IWF will work to have the images removed. Find out more here: Internet Watch Foundation
Report Harmful Content
This service helps individuals report harmful content online, including threats, harassment, and sextortion. They provide guidance on what actions to take and help escalate the report to the relevant platforms for content removal. Visit: Report Harmful Content
Action Fraud
Victims of sextortion can also report the crime to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. They handle reports and investigate internet-based crimes. Report via: Action Fraud.
