Sextortion
What is Sextortion?
Sextortion can refer 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.
How to recognise Sextortion
While victims of Sextortion may feel distressed or blame themselves, they have been tricked or deceived in some way - it is not their fault. These threats are often committed by organised criminals motivated only by money. 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.
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:
- 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
- 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
- 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 then contact us on 101.
Tips to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of Sextortion
- 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 information on how to use social media safely here
- Create strong password using three random words – The National Cyber Security Centre has advice on how to create strong passwords here
- Protect your data online – to learn how to prevent your social media account from a hacking incident access information here
- Spot phishing emails - you can get advice on how to protect yourself from Sextortion phishing emails here.
What to do if you’re a victim of Sextortion
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. We 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 offender’s profile information. Keep it as evidence.
Report the incident Report the matter to us by calling 101 and your social media platform website.
If you are over 18 you can go to Stop NCII (Non-Consensual Intimate Image Abuse) and report it using a free tool which helps to detect and remove intimate images from being shared online.
If you are under 18 you can go to Report Remove | Childline and confidentially report sexual images and videos of yourself and remove them from the internet.
Remember that you're the victim of a crime. You're not alone and confidential support is available. You can get through this.
However, we understand you may find it difficult to report this type of crime to us, so it may help you to talk to someone first. Some partner organisations listed below can offer you support.
Get help and support
If you are in severe distress and thinking about harming yourself, call 999 immediately.
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.
The following organisations are available for further advice and support:
For adults over 18
Revenge porn helpline – free, confidential help and support for adult victims of intimate image abuse living in the UK.
Stop NCII - free tool designed to support victims of Non-Consensual Intimate Image (NCII) abuse
Samaritans – free, confidential listening service for any issue, with no pressure or judgement.
For children under 18
CEOP Safety Centre - for young people worried about online sexual abuse or the way someone has been communicating with them online
Childline – free, confidential support online and over the phone for children and young people under
SAMH - practical advice about mental health for children and young people in Scotland
NSPCC - Support and tips to help you keep children safe. From advice on children’s mental health to staying safe online, support for parents and what to do if you’re worried about a child.
More information
If you would like more information on how to keep yourself and your family stay safe online or get support if you are being threatened by a stranger or someone you know to share your intimate images, please visit:
What is domestic abuse? - Police Scotland
Get Safe Online | The UK's leading Online Safety Advice Resource
Online Behaviour & Safety | Parent Club
Keep Children Safe Online: Information, Advice, Support - Internet Matters
Homepage - UK Safer Internet Centre
CEOP Education (thinkuknow.co.uk)
