Sextortion Scams: Don't Let a Stranger Pressure You With Private Photos
Critical
By Youth Shield
Scammers often pose as someone your age on social media or gaming chats, build trust quickly, and then push you to share private photos. Once they have one, they threaten to send it to your friends, family or followers unless you pay or send more. This is a form of blackmail, and the shame it causes is exactly what criminals rely on to keep victims silent. It is never your fault, and help is available.
Be wary of new online contacts who move fast, flatter you, or quickly ask to switch to a private chat. Never send private images to someone you only know online, even if they seem friendly or send photos first. If you are being threatened, stop replying, do not pay, and keep screenshots, usernames and messages as evidence. Tell a trusted adult right away and report and block the account on the platform. Contact local police or a child protection helpline in your country for support, because you will not be in trouble.