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Sextortion

Sextortion is a form of extortion that takes place online. It happens when one Internet user threatens to share another's intimate photo if the latter doesn't send him other intimate photos or money. 

Modus operandi

The vast majority of sextortion victims are teenage boys, who are between 14 and 17 years old. The suspect, pretending to be a young girl, makes contact with the victim via social networks. He or she converses with the victim for a few hours or days, just long enough to establish a bond of trust. Once contact has been established, the victim is invited to exchange photos or videos of a sexual nature.

Once the images or videos have been obtained, a sum of money is requested. If the victim refuses to comply, intimidation is sought by threatening to publish the images online or forward them directly to his friends and family.

Teenage girls can also be victims of sextortion. In some cases, the person with whom they are communicating will ask them to hand over money or other sexual photos and videos, under threat of publication.

The requested payments are made via various applications or electronic gift cards. 

Prevention tips

  • Use a pseudonym and profile photo that do not reveal your age, place of residence or interests.
  • Adjust the privacy settings of the applications you use to restrict the audience of your posts.
  • Never undress in front of a camera (photo or video), even for your partner. Once intimate images of yourself have been sent, you lose control of them.
  • Cease all communication with anyone who threatens to share intimate images of yourself. It is illegal.
  • Never send money or new photos or videos to the suspect.
  • Be on the lookout for clues to watch for, such as the suspect's insistence on staying in close contact and conversations that quickly take a sexual turn. 

What to do if you are a victim of sextortion?

  • Quickly notify an adult of the situation
  • Contact 911 or your neighborhood police station
  • Keep pieces of evidence : e-mail, text message, photo, video, etc. 

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