Definitions and Facts

What is Sextortion?

Sextortion… we know it's not a pretty word and can seem scary, but we are here to help break it down and give you the fast facts to help keep you safe online.

DEFINE IT.

Sextortion is the threat to expose a sexual image in order to make a person do something or for other reasons, such as revenge or humiliation.

First, let’s start with a quick definition of sextortion. In layman’s terms… it’s blackmail or threats to expose sexual images to get you to do something you don’t want to do, like send more photos or money.

The ways in which a person can threaten or blackmail you do can differ.

So how does it happen?

Sextortion can happen through phishing scams, malware, financial scams (also known as financial sextortion), social media/dating app connections, and account hacks.

But it can also happen in seemingly innocent ways, like a new online friend trying to gain your trust quickly.

Think: catfishing with even more malicious intentions