Sextortion: What Is It? Do They Follow Through? How To Protect Yourself
What is sextortion, online dating sextortion, dating app sextortion, sextortion victims, how to deal with sextortion, how to protect yourself from sextortion, sextortion warnings
Sextortion is one of those topics I wish I didn’t have to delve into, but I believe the more it is discussed, the more aware people are and the more they can do to prevent this from happening to themselves or others.
What Is Sextortion
There are many types of sextortion schemes out there and there will likely be more in the future because of things like AI.
Basically, sextortion involves a victim who is being extorted because of sexual activities captured by another party. The two parties do not need to know each or have met.
Sextortion can occur through dating apps, chat sites or in person dates after the fact.
Online Dating, Video Chat Sextortion
If a person engages in sexual activity through selfies, video chats or the like, someone can record that interaction and then threaten the person unless they pay them.
Hacking Sextortion
This can occur if a person’s phone, account or other files are hacked and the other party threatens to release the media unless they are paid a fee.
In Person Sextortion
This occurs when two parties meet and one of the parties records the sexual encounter usually via hidden camera or device. This can happen through a first date hookup or with someone you know and have dated for a while.
This can also happen if both parties consent to a video recording i.e. married couple or significant others and then one of them weaponized the video later i.e. after a break-up or just because.
AI Sextortion
This is a relatively new outlet but it involves someone using your likeness and making AI generated videos of yourself. Even though these videos are not real, the threat of distribution or reputation concern is involved.
Related read: Dating Texting Red Flags
How To Stop Sextortion, Sextortion Safety Tips
These tips are some ways to reduce chances of sextortion but they are no means ways to stop it from occurring entirely.
Do not record yourself doing sexual activities.
Do no store said materials on device.
Do not click on unfamiliar links from strangers.
Do not have sexual video chats.
Do not go to strangers homes.
Do not have sex with people you don’t know.
Take time to get to know someone, don’t rush into things or feel need to have sex if pressured.
Do not make your profiles public, do not use your dating photos that are online to the public
Monitor your child’s online activity, apps
Sextortion Red Flags, Warning Signs
These are just some red flags but no guarantee that sextortion will occur. Similarly, there are more things to ID than this.
The person is super attractive
The person is super persuasive, charming
The person’s dating profile is very cryptic, silhouette photos, AI/stock images, distant/blurry photos, no details, vague answers etc.
The person lovebombs you
The person puts pressure to have a video chat and uncloth yourself
The person asks for photos despite you having enough photos on your profile
You may be lonely (lots of selfies, lack of confidence, recently divorced or single)
You don’t have a lot of dating experience, are young or very old or very public figure
The person pressures you to go to their place on a first date, early on.
The person has video cameras in their room
The person has no digital footprint or is vague about themselves
The person you meet is found on a hookup app or has a very sexualized profile
How To Deal With Sextortion, Do Sextortionists Follow Through?
Take time to get to know someone. Do not rush into things.
Do not use dating apps if you are depressed or experiencing mental health problems.
I don’t have data on how often extortionists follow through but one should take threats seriously and contact authorities asap as this is a serious crime. Do not let embarrassment or fear stop you form contacting authorities.
Look at the FBI site for tips:
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/sextortion
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