Last Updated on July 7, 2023
Sextortion is a rapidly growing and unfortunate threat that has been reported in news stories across the nation. It involves malicious individuals who acquire private or explicit images from their victims, then extortion them with threats of exposing these photos if they are not paid off. More people than ever before have become affected by this dangerous scam; knowing how to handle it can save you an immense amount of grief should you encounter sextortion first-hand. Let’s explore how to deal with sextortion, so you can be prepared if this type of crime comes your way.
How common is sextortion?
Sextortion has been a pervasive crime since at least 2009, and most likely even earlier. This malicious behavior by cyber predators is, without surprise, heavily dependent on the internet: disinhibiting criminals from all around the world to access personal information with complete anonymity; creating computer viruses that can steal credit card numbers and bank accounts easily – not to mention compromising intimate photographs or videos.
Sextortion has become a major issue, leaving teens particularly vulnerable to its dangers. The FBI is actively working to educate the public – especially those who are minors – about this perilously pervasive crime and just how real of a threat it can be.
Thorn, an organization that combats online child sexual abuse has given some alarming but necessary stats that show just how much adolescence is in danger when it comes to online sextortion, “Sextortion is a wide-ranging problem and not isolated to one website or app. Perpetrators used many forms of technology to reach victims and 45% of victims reported contact with perpetrators on more than one platform. With connectivity on the rise, sextortion could be an increasingly pervasive threat.”
Which is an example of sextortion?
Getting back to sextortion cases from 2009, there was a shocking sextortion case that opened many people’s eyes and even the FBIs to the danger of sextortion. A sextortionist by the name of Luis Mijangos was arrested by the FBI after he was caught hacking into victims’ webcams by instilling malware (a virus that allows someone access and full control of a person’s device) into hundreds of peoples’ devices.
This is where Mijangos secretly recorded sexual videos and photos of the victims and threatened to expose them online and to their family and friends if they did not supply him with more lewd and intimate images and videos. The FBI found more than 15,000 webcam video captures, 900 audio recordings, and 13,000 screen captures in Mijangos’ 129 computers that he possessed. The number of victims was roughly 230 people. Out of them all, 44 victims were said to be minors.
Being that sextortion was new and there wasn’t a law specifically aimed towards sextortion, the sentences that Mijangos received were based on other statutes such as computer hacking, wiretapping, extortion, blackmail, and more. Mijangos was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment.
How To Deal with Sextortion?
If you are being threatened with online sextortion, there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
The first step is to stay calm and contact local law enforcement immediately. Law enforcement will help you document evidence and investigate who is behind the threat. You should also consider talking to an attorney about your options for taking legal action against the perpetrator.
Additionally, it’s important that you don’t give in and send any money, goods, or services – doing so will only encourage them and make them more likely to continue their sextortion attempts against you and other victims.
Finally, if images have been sent without your consent, remember that it’s not your fault – no one should ever be shamed into silence by someone else’s threats or behavior. Reach out for help from friends, family members, counselors, or other support networks who can help keep you safe from harm and provide emotional support during this difficult time.
You may also like to read:
How to deal with sextortion on Snapchat
How To Deal with WhatsApp Sextortion?
How to Deal with Facebook Sextortion?
In summary
Sextortion is a serious crime that causes significant distress for its victims – but there are steps you can take to protect yourself from this type of harassment. Remember not to give in to any demands made by the perpetrator; instead, contact law enforcement right away and talk with an attorney about your legal options. Finally, surround yourself with supportive friends and family who can provide emotional support during this difficult time. With knowledge of how to handle sextortion and where to get help when needed, everyone can stay safe online no matter what situation they find themselves in.
Report Online Sextortion – contact our sextortion helpline
