What is sextortion?

Simply put sextortion is blackmail. It’s when someone online threatens to send a sexual image or video of you to other people if you don’t pay the person or provide more sexual content.

How does it happen?

Sextortion usually starts with normal online conversations and then when chats are moved to more private platforms, quickly turn very personal and sexual. The person might use things like flattery or attention bombing to make you feel special, or try to make you feel bad or use sympathy in order to manipulate you into doing what they want. They may demand more videos or to transfer them money. Often they will pretend to be a teen girl or boy to build trust and a connection.

What are some red flag behaviours?

If you notice these kinds of behaviours or are feeling uncomfortable, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right it is usually because you don’t have all the information – someone could be deceiving you.

There are ways to get out of these uncomfortable situations, like abruptly stop contact, use humour or make up excuses to stop contact. Or you can simply hit block.

What can you do to reduce the likelihood of it happening?

Here are some tips:

Be sensible when using the internet. Only activate your camera when you want to. Make sure it is 'off' at all times when not required. Never allow yourself to be duped into activity that you will later regret.

If using video chat apps, be alert to the fact that 'contacts' are not always who they say they are. If you allow a relationship to develop be guarded if unusual requests are made of you.

If you use online chat rooms looking for a person to chat with be careful. Be careful about any getting into a relationship and if you are asked to move to a different chat platform.

Some online chat rooms have a visual contact facility. If you are looking for a person to chat with and get into a relationship be guarded on what you say and do.

Relationships are quick to develop. End any that you are not comfortable with. Stay in control of what you do.

You may make mistakes, have doubts or need support or advice. If so, contact the police or a support agency immediately.

Remember, what goes on the internet stays on the internet, forever.

What to do if you’re being sextorted?

Here are a few points to follow if you are a victim. Do not panic. The police will take your case seriously. They will deal with it in confidence. You will not be judged.

• Immediately stop all communication.  Do not talk any further to the offenders. Take screen shots of any communication. Keep it as evidence.
• Deactivate (DO NOT delete) your social media account. Report the matter to the platform to have any video blocked. Set up an alert in case the video resurfaces. Deactivating the Facebook account rather than shutting it down will mean data is kept. This helps the police to gather evidence. The account can also be reactivated at any time. This means your online memories are not lost forever.
  
• DO NOT comply with the threat. In other words, never pay money and never send additional nudes. Some victims who have paid hear no more about it, others pay and are asked for more money. In some cases, even when money is paid the offenders posts the videos or images anyway.
• Make a note of all details provided by the offenders. For example; the Skype name (particularly the Skype ID), the Facebook URL; the Western Union or MoneyGram Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN); any photos/videos that were sent, etc.  Be aware that the scammer's Skype name is different to their Skype ID. It's the ID details that police will need. To get that, right click on their profile, select ‘View Profile’. Then look for the name shown in blue rather than the one above it in black. It'll be next to the word ’Skype’ and will have no spaces in it.
• Reach out for help and report it. Tell an adult who will help you, and report what has happened to Cybertip.ca or contact police in your jurisdiction. Remember that you are not alone. Reach out to a safe adult so they can help you get through this situation. Dealing with sextortion is too big to manage on your own.
• Keep the correspondence. Keep information such as the person’s username(s), social media account information, a copy of the communications, along with any images and/or videos that were sent.

Remember that you're the victim of organised criminals. You're not alone and confidential support is available. You can get through this.