What Is Sextortion?
An educational tool on how sextortion works, its stages, warning signs and what to do if it happens, with a practice quiz.
Contact and deception
The attacker contacts the victim with a fake profile —often posing as an attractive person of similar age—, starts a romantic or sexual conversation, and quickly proposes a video call or exchanging photos.
Why does it work?
They act fast: they try to create intimacy and urgency within minutes or hours, not weeks, to cut down the victim's time to think.
Common tactics
- Profiles with very attractive photos stolen from someone else
- A conversation that escalates to sexual topics very quickly
- A video call proposal "to get to know each other better"
- Sometimes the contact comes from the hacked account of someone you know
Warning signs and what to do
- Be wary of online relationships that move too fast
- Don't accept video calls with strangers who insist on intimate content
- Verify the person's identity through other means before trusting them
For parents and caregivers
Explain that it can happen to anyone
Sextortion affects people of all ages and isn't a sign of carelessness: anyone can be the target of a well-planned scam.
Stress that paying doesn't solve anything
Explain ahead of time that giving in to blackmail almost never stops the threat; it only feeds it.
Prepare a panic-free response
Agree with your child that if something like this happens, the first thing is to tell you, without fear of punishment.
Learn about deepfakes
Explain that today there are fake images made with AI from ordinary social media photos.
For children and teenagers
It's not your fault
If someone tricked you or is threatening you with your image, the responsibility is the extortionist's, not yours.
Don't pay or send more content
Giving in doesn't make the threat go away: the attacker almost always comes back asking for more.
Don't delete the evidence
Save screenshots of the profile, the number and the messages before blocking the person.
Ask for help immediately
Tell a trusted adult as soon as you suspect something is off; don't wait for the threat to become real.
If you are a victim of sextortion right now
- Stop responding to the blackmail: don't pay or send more content.
- Don't delete the conversation or the profile: save screenshots as evidence.
- Block the attacker only after saving the necessary evidence.
- Report the profile or account directly on the platform where it happened.
- Report it to the authorities and seek psychological support: you are not alone.
Where to report (Colombia)
- NCMEC CyberTipline: report.cybertip.org
- ICBF — Helpline for children and teenagers: 141
- National Police — Virtual CAI: caivirtual.policia.gov.co, or emergency line 123
Nota
This information is educational and does not replace legal, psychological or police advice. If there is immediate danger, contact your country's emergency line first and always check the current official channels.