Introduction
With the advent of the internet and social media, cybercrimes have seen a massive surge, and sextortion is one of the big cyber-crimes of this era of Kalyug. Sextortion is defined as a form of extortion and is committed when someone unlawfully uses sexual photographs or videos as leverage to receive money or other favours.
Social media has made it easier for the perpetrators of sextortion and they often create false profiles, often of attractive members of the opposite sex to lure victims. Once someone has been lured, the sextortionist will then create a compromising video or image of the victim. They may also threaten to post the information on social media or share it with the victim’s family and friends. Sextortionists usually demand payments in the form of cryptocurrency or other digital currencies, in an effort to remain anonymous.
Sextortion is a crime that can have devastating consequences. It can lead to financial losses, private information leaks, and public humiliation for victims. Sextortion can also lead to psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, shame, guilt, and fear.
Sextortion Definition, Modus Operandi and Tips to Protect Yourself
Example of sextortion- Modus operandi
The scam begins with the creation of a fake yet realistic account with a long profile chronology, regular updates and uploads of attractive photos, etc. Friend requests are then sent from these profiles to identified targets, usually in platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Tinder, dating, and even matrimonial sites.
The requests appear to come from friendly and attractive females. To complete the scam, social engineering is employed to gain the trust of the unsuspecting target. This psychological technique involves various deception and fraud tactics. The female accomplices of the gang are indoctrinated to indulge in lewd video calls with the target, which are then recorded using inbuilt or downloaded screen recording apps. These salacious clips then become instruments of extortion, leading to untold trauma for the victim.
They are also using AI tools to create the opposite sex in order to scam victims.
There are steps that you can take to protect yourself from sextortion:
1. Do not respond to suspicious emails, messages, or phone calls– especially video calls.
2. Never send compromising photos or videos.
3. Be mindful of what you post online.
4. If you’re asked to meet someone in person who you don’t know, do it in a public place, or with friends.
5. Think before you share personal information like your home address or phone number.
6. Use two-factor authentication when available to protect your online accounts.
7. Use strong passwords and never share them with anyone.
8. Regularly back up your files, photos, and other important documents.
9. Block online predators and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
10. And keep in mind that no one can threaten you into doing something against your will.
In case you stuck
If you become a victim of sextortion in India, contact the local police as soon as possible. Make sure to provide them with all the details, including screenshots of the blackmailing emails, and any other evidence you may have. Additionally, if you are feeling overwhelmed or in need of emotional support, consider seeking help from a mental health professional or contacting a well–being helpline.
- Do not pay anything
- Stop all communication and immediately deactivate all your social media
- Talk to family, friends and close ones
Overall, sextortion is a serious crime that can have lasting and devastating effects. The victims of sextortion often suffer from financial losses, mental health issues, and public humiliation. It is therefore important to take steps to protect yourself from sextortion, such as never sending explicit photos or videos, using strong passwords, and being wary of any requests for money.
Conclusion
The internet and social media can be incredibly useful tools for connecting with loved ones and strangers alike. However, it is also important to be mindful of the potential risks that come with being online, particularly the risk of falling victim to sextortion. If you ever feel that someone is attempting to extort you through a malicious act or threat of revealing sensitive information, it is important to act quickly and take the proper steps to protect yourself.
First and foremost, it is important to remember not to give in to their demands in an effort to protect your information, finances and reputation. Instead, it is essential to refrain from all communication with them, take screenshots or save any correspondence you have received, disconnect from all social media accounts, and contact the police or a trusted friend or family member. Additionally, you should consider seeking emotional support, such as from a mental health professional or a well-being helpline, if you are feeling overwhelmed.
Your safety and privacy should always be a priority, so do not be afraid to stand up for yourself and take the appropriate precautions in the event of a sextortion attempt.
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(Author can be reached at email address fcsasharma@gmail.com or on Mobile No. 9718941592)
Disclaimer: The purpose of this article is to provide informational material only. It is not intended to form a contractual agreement of any kind or serve as a substitute for professional advice. Fcs Amit Kumar Sharma has taken all necessary precautions to ensure the accuracy of the information provided herein at the time of publication. We will not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential damages that may arise as a result of the use of this article or the information contained therein.
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