Sextortion scams aren’t new — but they’re becoming alarmingly more effective. Here’s how to spot and avoid them.
Scammers are in on the sextortion trend. Our expert analysis on this trend found that the likelihood of being targeted by sextortion scammers in the first few months of 2025 increased by a whopping 137% in the U.S., while the risk jumped to 49% in the U.K. and 34% in Australia.
Clearly, scammers are stepping up their game — and it’s time to fight back. If you’ve ever received a shady email saying, “I’ve seen what you’ve been doing online,” don’t panic. Here’s what you need to know to spot these scams and protect yourself.
What is a sextortion scam?
A sextortion scam is when a cybercriminal claims to have sensitive or compromising material about you — like explicit photos or videos — and demands payment, usually in Bitcoin, to keep it from going public. Often, they reach out through a phishing email. Here’s how they typically work:
- The setup: Scammers claim they hacked your device and have footage of you in compromising situations.
- The “proof”: They often include personal details, like an old password from a data breach, to make the threat more convincing.
- The threat: “Pay up or everyone you know will see this.”
- The panic: The goal is to make you act out of fear and embarrassment — fast.
Teens are especially vulnerable to these scams, as they may be more susceptible to emotional pressure and embarrassment. Scammers know this and deliberately target younger users through social media and messaging apps.
What we learned from digging into sextortion emails
Sextortion scams have taken a dark turn thanks to AI and massive data breaches. Scammers are getting bolder and more invasive:
- AI-generated deepfake images: Cybercriminals can now superimpose your face onto explicit content, making their threats seem frighteningly real.
- Google Maps scare tactic: As we recently covered, scammers use Google Street View images of your home, claiming they “know where you live” to increase fear and compliance.
- Stolen personal data: Data breaches provide scammers with real names, emails, and passwords — all used to build convincing threats.
- AI-generated deepfake images: Cybercriminals can now superimpose your face onto explicit content, making their threats seem frighteningly real.
- Bitcoin wallets linked to scams: Avast researchers have identified over 15,000 unique Bitcoin wallets associated with sextortion scams. The true scale is likely even larger.
“Our analysis reveals that sextortion victims frequently receive threatening messages claiming access to their private videos and images,” says Michal Salat, Threat Intelligence Director for Avast. “Fear of exposure, especially when personal details appear accurate, often pressures victims into complying with ransom demands. However, we strongly advise against engaging with these scammers, no matter how real the threats may seem.”
What to do if you receive a sextortion email
First things first: Don’t freak out. These scammers rely on fear to manipulate you. Here’s how to handle it:
- Don’t panic. It’s scary, but it’s a scam. Think of it as the modern-day Nigerian Prince email.
- Don’t respond. Engaging with scammers only encourages them.
- Don’t open attachments. Some emails might contain malware — don’t give them that opportunity.
- Change your passwords. If the scam mentions an old password, update it immediately. A password manager can help keep your logins secure.
- Enable 2FA. This adds an extra layer of protection.
- Report it. Forward the email to your local cybercrime authority, such as the IC3 in the U.S. or Action Fraud in the U.K., or the platform’s abuse department.
- Monitor your data. Use dark web monitoring services — like Avast Secure Identity — to be alerted if your personal information is exposed.
Don’t fall for it — it’s a lie
Let’s face it: the internet can be a sketchy place. However, you don’t have to face these threats alone. Stay calm, keep yourself informed, don’t believe the scammers’ lies, and take the necessary steps to protect yourself. Stay safe!
FAQs about sextortion scams
Is sextortion a crime?
Yes — sextortion is illegal and punishable by law in many countries.
What’s the scam where they send a picture of your house?
That’s a scare tactic to make the threat more personal. The images are usually pulled from Google Maps or social media.
Why am I receiving sextortion emails?
Your email address may have been part of a data breach, which scammers use to make their threats seem more credible.
How does a sextortion scammer know my password?
They often pull old passwords from leaked databases. This is why it’s important to update your passwords regularly and use 2FA.
Can a victim of sextortion get in trouble?
No — you’re the victim of a crime. Law enforcement is there to help.
What do I do if a scammer has my pictures?
Contact local authorities that handle cybercrimes, such as the FBI’s IC3, and report it to the platform where the images are being shared.
