What Is Sextortion?

Sextortion typically begins with a perpetrator obtaining intimate images — through hacking, romantic deception, or fabrication — and then threatening to release them unless the victim complies with demands. Demands most commonly involve money transfers, cryptocurrency payments, or additional sexual images. The FBI received over 18,500 sextortion complaints in 2023, with reported losses exceeding $54 million. Victims are overwhelmingly women and minors, though men are increasingly targeted through financial sextortion scams. Federal law criminalizes sextortion and the TAKE IT DOWN Act provides a rapid path to content removal.

Key facts about this term

1. Do not pay or comply with demands Payment almost never stops the abuse. Perpetrators typically demand more once they know a victim will pay. Document everything and contact law enforcement.
2. Preserve all evidence before reporting Screenshot threatening messages, note usernames, and record any platform where images were posted. This evidence supports law enforcement investigations and legal takedown notices.
3. Request removal under the TAKE IT DOWN Act Even if content has been shared, ScanErase can send legal 223a notices to covered platforms with 48-hour removal deadlines, stopping further spread immediately.