Unexpected contact
A stranger sends a friend request, follow request or direct message without a clear reason.
Tweed IT Cyber Safety Centre
Sextortion Scams
Sextortion is a form of blackmail where someone threatens to share intimate images, videos or personal information unless you meet their demands.
Understanding the scam
What is sextortion?
Sextortion, sometimes called sexual extortion, occurs when someone threatens to share intimate content unless the person gives them money, more images, sexual material or another form of payment.
Scammers may make contact through social media, dating apps, gaming platforms, messaging services, webcams or fake online profiles. Some offenders work alone, while others are part of organised criminal groups.
You are not alone.
Anyone can be targeted. Being deceived or threatened does not make the situation your fault, and help is available.
Warning signs
What to look for
A single warning sign does not always prove something is a scam, but several signs together should make you stop and verify.
Rapid sexual conversation
The conversation becomes sexual very quickly or you receive intimate content without asking.
Pressure to change apps
You are asked to move from one platform to another where messages may be harder to trace.
Avoiding live contact
The person repeatedly avoids a genuine live video call or claims their camera is not working.
Requests for intimate images
They insist you send images first, often promising they will delete them afterwards.
Threats and payment demands
They threaten to contact family, friends, employers or schools unless money is paid immediately.
Act immediately
What to do if you are being sextorted
Do not panic. Follow these steps in order and seek support from someone you trust.
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1
Stop the conversation
Do not continue negotiating or responding to threats.
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2
Do not pay
Payment does not guarantee the content will be deleted and may lead to further demands.
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3
Save evidence
Take screenshots of messages, usernames, profiles, payment requests and threats.
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4
Block and report
Report the account to the platform, then block the person once evidence has been saved.
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5
Secure your accounts
Change passwords, enable multi-factor authentication and review privacy settings.
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6
Ask for help
Speak with a trusted person and report the incident to the appropriate Australian service.
How it may unfold
Recognising the conversation pattern
Useful Links and Downloads
Protect yourself
Reduce the risk before a scam starts
Review privacy settings
Limit who can see your friends, followers, workplace, school and contact information.
Be cautious with new accounts
Check how old the account is, whether its photos appear elsewhere and whether its activity looks genuine.
Avoid sharing identifying details
Do not reveal information that could help someone contact your family, employer or school.
Use strong account security
Use unique passphrases and enable multi-factor authentication on social media and email accounts.
Pause before sharing content
Once an image or video is sent, you may no longer control where it is copied or stored.
Trust your instincts
End the conversation when something feels rushed, inconsistent, threatening or too good to be true.
Australian support
Where to report and get help
eSafety Commissioner
Provides assistance with image-based abuse and harmful online content.
Visit eSafetyReportCyber
Report cybercrime and online extortion incidents.
Open ReportCyberPolice
Call 000 if there is an immediate danger. For non-urgent police assistance, call 131 444.
Your social platform
Report the account and threatening content directly through the platform's safety or abuse tools.
Test your awareness
Think you can spot a scam?
Try the Australian Cyber Security Centre's scam awareness material.
View Scam AdviceNeed support?
Talk to someone you trust
Do not face the situation alone. A trusted family member, friend, school, workplace, counsellor or support organisation may help you take the next step.
Tweed IT support
Concerned that an account or device has been compromised?
Tweed IT can help secure accounts, review devices, remove unwanted remote-access software and explain the next steps in plain English.
