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Sextortion

Sextortion is a term most often used to describe online blackmail, where criminals threaten to release sexual or indecent images of you, unless you pay money or carry out their demands.

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If you, or someone you know, are a victim of Sextortion it is important that you know that you are not at fault.  Victims of Sextortion can often feel distressed and that they are somehow to blame.  That is not the case.  It does not matter if an image was initially shared with your consent or through threats or manipulation – the misuse of your image is an offence and is never OK.

Sextortion refers to a variety of offences committed online. It is most often used to describe online blackmail, where criminals threaten to release sexual/indecent images of you, unless you pay money or carry out their demands.

Sextortion may be:

  • Financial blackmail using sexual/indecent images that have been sent to somebody you’ve had contact with online.
  • Financial blackmail using images that have been stolen from you, taken through hacking, or have been faked using AI generators or other image altering technology.
  • Blackmail using sexual/indecent images that have been sent to somebody but with a demand for something other than money. This might be a demand for you to do something you don’t want to, like give them use of your bank account or provide more images.

Although victims of any age and gender are potential targets, children aged 15-17 years and adults aged 18-30 are particularly at risk. According to police reports, the most targeted group are young males 17-24 years old.

Sextortion is a form of Intimate Image Abuse and can refer to a variety of offences committed online.

To find out more about sextortion you can visit Fearless.

Offenders will often pose as other people, and send a large number of friend requests to your social media accounts quickly. If a new connection engages in sexual chat, or asks for sexual/indecent images, this might be an attempt at Sextortion. If you are uncomfortable, do not share any images. Sextortion attempts can escalate very quickly, or take place over a longer period of time.

Typical signs of Sextortion attempts may include:

  1. They’re moving too fast. They try to develop a relationship with you very quickly. They might be flirty, tell you they like you very soon, or ask for sexual / indecent images and videos.  Some may even send a sexual / indecent image to you first.
  2. They pressure you to do things you’re not comfortable with. They may repeatedly ask you to do sexual things you don’t feel comfortable with. It’s never ok for someone to ask you to do things you don’t want to.
  3. They might tell you they’ve hacked you or that they have access to your contacts. Some blackmailers might tell you they’ve got embarrassing images or information about you from your device. They might threaten to share this information unless money is given to them.

If you are chatting to new people online:

  • If you’re not comfortable with any new relationships or contact, end it quickly and block them from re-connecting with you.
  • If you think you are being, or have been a victim of Sextortion call the Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

  1. Consider reviewing your privacy settings – if criminals can’t see who your friends and family are, they’re less likely to be able to make threats to share images or information. The National Cyber Security Centre has guidance on how to use social media safely. For more information on how to use Social Media safely, please visit NCSC.gov.uk here.
  2. Create strong passwords using three random words – The National Cyber Security Centre has advice on how to create strong passwords. For more information on Three random words, please visit NCSC.gov.uk here.
  3. Protect your data online – learn how to prevent your social media account from a hacking incident. For more information on recovering a hacked account, please visit NCSC.gov.uk here.
  4. Spot phishing emails – you can get advice on how to protect yourself from Sextortion phishing emails by visiting NCSC.gov.uk here.

If this has happened to you, it is not your fault and there is help and support available.

Do not panic. The police will take your case seriously and will deal with it in confidence. You will not be judged.

Do not pay. Some victims who have paid hear no more about it, others pay and are pressured for more money. In some cases, even when money is paid the criminals share the videos or images anyway. If you’ve paid the person, consider getting in touch with your bank. They may not be able to recover payments you have authorised, but will be able to help UK Law Enforcement better understand the current threat.

Do not talk any further to the criminals. Take screen shots of any communication and the offender’s profile information. Keep it as evidence.

You do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone. Let family or friends know how you are feeling. They may be able to offer support and help keep you safe.

We understand the devastating impact that this type of crime can have. There are a number of organisations to advise and support you:

If you would like more information on how to keep yourself and your family safe online or get support if you are being threatened by a stranger or someone you know to share your intimate images, please visit: