If someone tries to blackmail you by threatening to share an intimate image or video of you, that’s a type of image-based abuse called ‘sexual extortion’ (sometimes known as ‘sextortion’).
- Do stop all contact with the person blackmailing you.
- Do not pay the blackmailer or give them more money or intimate content.
- Do report what’s happening.
- Remember, it’s not your fault, even if you shared the intimate content with them in the first place – anyone can experience sextortion.
Here are some examples of how it might happen:
Someone hooks you with a fake profile or ‘catfishes’ you. This is when they pretend to be someone they're not, so they can scam you. It can happen really quickly – often they send a direct message with a 'sexy pic' they claim is of them. (But how would you really know? Have you ever seen them live on camera or face to face?) Then they ask you to send a naked selfie, or record you getting sexual online. Next thing, they threaten to share the image or video with your family, friends or co-workers if you don’t pay them. Usually they ask you to transfer money, or send them cryptocurrency, gift cards or online game credits.
Someone uses ‘bombing’ as a way to make it look like they are a mutual friend. They try to friend or follow as many people from your school, sports team, university or community to make you believe they are a ‘real’ person you haven’t met before. They might pretend to be the same age as you or a ‘new’ student in your class.
Someone claims to have hacked your device or account and found intimate images or videos of you. They might even use one of your current or former passwords to make you believe it’s true, but you can never be sure if they really do have access. They then threaten to share the image or video they claim to have found unless you pay up.
Someone 'grooms' you. This is when a sexual predator tricks your into thinking you’re in a close relationship so you feel OK about sending nudes or getting nude online. Then they tell you they’ll make the images or videos public, or hurt you or someone you care about, unless you send more nudes or get sexual with them on camera. Usually they share or sell your images or videos without you knowing, before they even threaten you. 'Grooming' refers to an older person forming a relationship with someone under 18, and a predator who does this is often called a 'paedophile.' In addition to sextortion, grooming is often intended to make a child vulnerable to child sexual abuse online.
Catfishing, scamming, grooming or blackmailing someone is a crime. Don't believe the blackmailer if they say they will delete the intimate image or video if you give them what they want – they will just keep asking for more.
If you’re under 18 and being blackmailed, the best way to get help is to report it to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation.
If you’re 18 or older and being blackmailed, report it to any platforms or services where the blackmailer contacted you. If your intimate image or video is shared, you can report to eSafety. You can also check Scamwatch to find out more about current scams.
Find out more about how to deal with sexual extortion.
