Sextortion: sexually coerced extortion

What is sextortion?

Where technology connects us in various ways, it's important to be aware not only of the huge benefits but also the possible risks associated with online interactions. One such threat is sexually coerced extortion or 'sextortion' - a serious form of blackmail that involves the exploitation of nude, explicit or sensitive images or videos to coerce victims into unwanted actions such as sharing further explicit imagery or paying to prevent further sharing. Sextortion is a distressing crime that can have severe emotional and psychological consequences.

Criminals often target people who use dating apps, social media platforms, webcam/live streaming sites or websites related to pornography. They might pretend to be someone else online and become friends with you. Later, they might threaten to share pictures or videos with your family and friends.

Our analysts at the IWF are receiving increasing reports of this type of crime. Sometimes the blackmailer shows the victim a compilation of images which includes the original nude or intimate image which was first shared, plus the victim’s social media accounts, friends and family lists, as well as falsely accusing the victim of crimes that they haven’t committed.

Sextortion can cause significant emotional distress, feelings of shame, fear, and anxiety. It's crucial to remember that victims are never at fault, and support is available to help cope with the aftermath.

Recognising sextortion warning signs

• Be vigilant for potential red flags indicating sextortion attempts, such as receiving unsolicited explicit content, sudden or relentless requests for intimate images, or persistent demands for personal information.
• Threatening language around the loss of viewers or followers on social media if demands are not met or images and videos are not sent.

Recognising someone you know, may be a victim of sextortion

It's important to note that every child may react differently when being sexually extorted, and the signs may vary depending on their personality, age, and other factors. However, here are some potential changes in behaviour that could indicate a child is being sexually extorted.

• Emotional distress: The child may display signs of increased anxiety, fear, or mood swings. They may appear more withdrawn, depressed, or easily agitated.
• Social withdrawal: The child might start avoiding social interactions or spending less time with friends and family. They may become isolated and reluctant to participate in activities they used to enjoy.
• Change in online behaviour: If a child is being sexually extorted, they may exhibit specific alterations in their online activities, such as spending excessive amounts of time online, becoming secretive about their online interactions, or suddenly avoiding or deleting social media accounts.
• Unusual behaviour with money, gift vouchers, online currencies etc.: The child is spending more money than usual or has less money than you would expect. They may steal money from you or other family members.
• Unusual secrecy: The child may become unusually secretive about their personal life, activities, or online interactions. They might express reluctance or defensiveness when questioned about their online behaviour or communication.
• Sudden drop in academic performance: Sextortion can have a significant impact on a child's emotional wellbeing, which may lead to a decline in their academic performance. They may struggle with concentration, lose interest in schoolwork, or show signs of distress during school hours.
• Change in attitude to school: They may see school as their safe place and enjoy the break from devices if the perpetrator/extortionist is outside the school community.
• Sleep disturbances: Sextortion can cause significant stress and anxiety, leading to changes in sleep patterns. The child may experience difficulties falling asleep, frequent nightmares, or increased night-time awakenings.
• Avoidance of electronic devices: If a child is being sexually extorted, they might display an unusual aversion to using electronic devices or express discomfort when receiving messages or calls. They may try to limit their online presence or avoid using specific apps or platforms altogether.
• Self-harm or suicidal ideation: The child might exhibit signs of self-harm, suicidal thoughts or express feelings of hopelessness. These signs should be taken extremely seriously, and immediate professional help should be sought.

It's important to remember that these behavioural changes could indicate various issues, not just sextortion. If you notice any significant and persistent changes in a child's behaviour, it is crucial to approach the situation with sensitivity, open communication and seek professional help if necessary.

What to do if you are a victim of sextortion

1. This is not your fault and there is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. It may make you feel upset and helpless, but support is available from trusted, non-judgemental and understanding people and organisations.
2. Stay calm and reach out for help: Ask for assistance from a trusted adult or support helpline
3. Preserve evidence if possible: Save messages and record any communication related to the incident. This evidence can be valuable for legal purposes and reporting the crime.
4. Stop all communication: Discontinue any interaction with the perpetrator and block them on all platforms to prevent further manipulation or harassment.
5. Report the incident: Contact your local police and provide them with the evidence and details of the sextortion incident. They can guide you on the necessary steps to take.
6. Report Remove: If you or your child are under 18, images and videos can be submitted to Report Remove – an online tool developed by the IWF and Childline/NSPCC to help young people in the UK to confidentially report sexual images and videos of themselves in an effort to have them removed from the internet.
7. Inform parents, carers or a trusted adult: Share the situation with a responsible adult who can provide support, help in reporting the crime, and assist in navigating the emotional challenges that may arise.
8. Seek professional help: Reach out to counsellors, therapists, or support organisations specialising in cybercrime or victim support. They can offer guidance and help you cope with the emotional impact of being sexually extorted.
9. Alert relevant platforms: Report the offender and the incident to the platform or website where the initial contact or harassment occurred. They can take necessary action to prevent others from becoming victims.
10. Be cautious of re-victimisation: Offenders can be persistent. Despite all attempts to avoid, block and secure your personal information and online presence, they may still manage to contact you. They can be very determined. Again, this is not your fault. Try to ignore and continue to report.

Protecting yourself or someone you know from sextortion

• Practice online safety: Be cautious about the personal information you share online, understand privacy settings, and regularly review your social media account’s security measures. The National Cyber Security Centre offers helpful guidance.
• Strengthen passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for each online account, and consider utilising password managers for added security.
• Enable two-factor authentication: Activate this feature whenever available, as it adds an extra layer of protection to your online accounts.
• Trust your instincts: If someone online makes you uncomfortable or tries to pressure you into sharing explicit content, remember that you have the right to say no and stop any contact.

If you would like a police officer to come into your school to deliver a presentation about sextortion to your learners, you can request this via the Wales Police Schools Programme, SchoolBeat. If a child in your school has any concerns, they can raise these and/or report an issue to the school police officer.

The Wales Police Schools Programme, SchoolBeat, can deliver a presentation about sextortion to children and young people in their school on request. If a child has concerns about sextortion, they can also raise these and/or report an issue to their school police officer.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 999.