Key sextortion statistics for 2026: FBI IC3 data shows over 18,500 sextortion complaints in 2023. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received over 26,000 sextortion reports involving minors in 2023 — a 300% increase from 2021. Financial sextortion targeting young men (ages 15-24) through online relationship deception has emerged as the fastest-growing sextortion category, with several dozen reported suicides attributed to the psychological impact. Image-based sextortion targeting women remains the most prevalent form overall.

Key facts about this term

  1. Financial sextortion has surged as a distinct threat A new sextortion pattern — perpetrators building fake romantic relationships online to obtain intimate images, then demanding money — has emerged as a distinct threat primarily targeting young men and boys.
  2. Reporting rates remain low Victim advocates estimate that fewer than 10% of sextortion cases are reported to law enforcement, meaning the 18,500+ FBI complaints represent a small fraction of actual victimization.
  3. The TAKE IT DOWN Act has improved content removal outcomes Post-Act compliance rates for NCII removal notices have improved significantly, reducing the duration of victim exposure to posted content.

Frequently asked questions

Who is most likely to be targeted by sextortion?

Women and girls are the most frequent targets of image-based sextortion. Young men and boys (ages 15-24) are the fastest-growing demographic for financial sextortion. Both demographics should be aware of the risk.

Are sextortion networks being shut down?

Law enforcement has taken down several major sextortion networks, particularly those based in West Africa. However, criminal networks continue to emerge faster than they are dismantled.

Related glossary terms