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Be aware of blackmail - sextortion scams
Have you ever wondered what the most common crypto scams are and how to avoid them? Our “Hello Crypto Safety” series analyses trends and shares best practices to stay safe from these attacks.
In this episode, we focus on “sextortion scams,” which are a type of blackmail scam and can be among the most nerve-wracking type of attack.
What are sextortion blackmail scams?
A Sextortion scam occurs when the scammer pretends to hold sensitive or revealing information on a target and they threaten to release the information unless they receive payment in crypto.
How do sextortion scams occur?
Most sextortion scams follow a familiar pattern. A person you do not know contacts you on social media, a dating app, text, or email. Usually, they ask to move the conversation over to a texting app or platform.
The conversation eventually leads to sexually suggestive themes. They will invite you to join, but these are often fake or pre-recorded images or videos.
They want you to send them intimate images or videos of yourself. They plan to record you, then threaten to share your images unless you pay them.
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.
Do you think you have been a victim of a sextorsion scam?
We understand you are in a stressful situation, as the scammer may be threatening to release intimate information about you, but the first thing to do when you realize you may be the victim of a sextorsion blackmail scam is to remain as calm as possible.
We include immediate advice below. If you want more personalized advice about your case, we encourage you to report your scam on Chainabuse by simply clicking on “Report a scam.” You can opt-in to receive free immediate support, including advice to contact law enforcement and what you can do next.
- Do NOT panic and do not pay the ransom. It might seem counterintuitive to ignore a malicious online perpetrator. Indeed, paying a ransom could let the perpetrator know you will honor all demands. Responding to the scammer or doing what they ask can escalate the situation.
- Stop engaging with the person trying to blackmail you. Cutting all contact with the perpetrator helps remove the power dynamic at play. Without open lines of communication, their ability to torment you further becomes limited.
- Document all communication with the scammer. Tangible documentation is essential for bringing a successful legal claim of blackmail.
- Secure all social media profiles if the scammer contacts you on social media. To secure your online accounts, set all profiles and accounts to private.
- Report the content to the relevant platform where the scammer contacted you.
- Be aware and avoid investigative scams - Do not engage with investigative firms that have not pre-vetted, as this may lead to another scam and more loss incurred. Some non-established firms try to take advantage of the stressful situation victims may be in to lure them and make them believe they can help them recover their funds, and then run away after the victim pays them a significant amount. Do not respond to investigative firms pretending they can freeze funds on your behalf. Only law enforcement can ask you for money in exchange for “getting back your funds.” Do not provide any personal information to these unknown investigators. Only take advice from pre-vetted investigative firms. We recommend some investigative firms as part of our support for free (more on this below). Chainabuse does not make any profit by recommending investigative firms. We only do so to protect victims from investigative scams.
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.