Last Updated on July 7, 2023

In the era of technology, online scammers are getting more sophisticated with their tactics. One such scam that is increasingly prevalent and causing panic among internet users is sextortion. This blog post will examine the issue and explore whether paying the sextortionist is the right choice. So, Should You Pay The Sextortionist?

Where do sextortionists get photos videos?

Before we delve deeper into the debate around whether to pay the sextortionists, it is essential to understand where they get their material. Some utilize hacking techniques to gain access to private photo albums or social media sites. However, sextortionists do not always hack into people’s personal devices to obtain footage.

Instead, scammers can obtain your photos and videos through catfishing. This technique often occurs when fraudsters pose as someone who is romantically interested in their victims. They then try to quickly gain the victim’s trust to coerce them into sending sensitive materials; once these are obtained, the threats and blackmail start.

Given the proliferation of social media and mobile device usage, the risks are higher than ever that your personal content could be used against you. It is up to everyone to take measures to protect themselves against these threats.

Should You Pay the Sextortionist?

The question of whether or not to pay the sextortionist is an important one. While it may seem like paying them off is the easiest solution, it is important to remember that giving in to their demands often just fuels their behavior and encourages them to target more victims. Additionally, there is no guarantee that paying them off will result in the attacker deleting the compromising content.

However, it is also understandable that many victims may feel like they have no other choice but to pay to protect their reputation and privacy. But this is not the case; there is help out there if you need it. Sextortion may be a disturbing and invasive crime, but with awareness and prevention, we can all work towards making the internet a safer place.

How to Catch a Sextortionist:

1. Do not give in to the demands of the sextortionist: The first thing to do if you are a victim of sextortion is not to give in to their demands. When you pay, the extortionist will keep returning since they know you are willing to pay. Plus, there is no guarantee that they will stop bothering you even when you pay them. The best course of action is not to give in to the extortionist’s demands and report them to the authorities.

2. Secure your accounts and passwords: Ensure that your device and passwords are secured and changed regularly to protect yourself from being hacked. The sextortionist may use malware or phishing scams to access your device and steal sensitive information. These tactics generally depend on you doing something foolish such as clicking a link to a fake website or downloading an attachment from an

unknown source. Remember always to use a strong and unique password and turn on two-factor authentication.

3. Report the crime: Report the incident to the authorities as soon as possible, like your local law enforcement and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Reporting the crime is critical to bringing this criminal to justice.

4. Seek support: Being a victim of sextortion can have serious consequences on your mental and emotional well-being. It is essential to seek help from loved ones and mental health specialists. A therapist or mental healthcare provider can help you manage intense emotions, deal with trauma, and improve your mental health.

Conclusion:

In summary, the of the most effective ways is to avoid sharing compromising materials online altogether, as this will reduce the chances of someone obtaining them. Paying the sextortionists is never advisable, as it will only encourage them to continue with their extortion. Not only that, there is no guarantee that they will not ask for more money.

While the thought of your sensitive materials being released can be intimidating, it is crucial to report the matter. By following the guidelines given above, you can protect yourself from sextortion and other forms of online scams.

Do you have additional questions on if you should pay your sextortionist, reach out to a Cyber Investigation agent today. With our 24/7 sextortion helpline, you can get the answers you need!