Warning:
The following blog post contains information related to image-based abuse which some readers may find upsetting and distressing. Viewer discretion is advised.
Image-based abuse, often referred to as ‘revenge porn,’ occurs when an individual disseminates or threatens to disseminate an intimate image or video of another person without their explicit consent. This form of abuse may also encompass sexual extortion, commonly known as ‘sextortion,’ involving the coercive use of videos and images.
If you find yourself a victim of this form of abuse, rest assured that you are not alone, and it is not your fault. Individuals from diverse backgrounds can succumb to this type of scam; however, young people are particularly susceptible, largely due to their frequent engagement with social media.
How Sextortion works:
Blackmailers will often target people online through online dating websites, online gaming apps, or social media platforms.
The blackmailer pretends to be someone of the same age as their unsuspecting victim, usually as a teenager or young person in order to gain trust with their victims.
The blackmailer may use a fake profile (via social media or dating profiles) in order to look more legitimate to their unsuspecting victim. The photos used by the blackmailer are usually stolen from other online profiles or may be altered with the help of AI.
The perpetrator pretends to be an attractive person, looking for friendship, a romantic relationship, or even seeking sex, then tricks you into sending nudes or sexual images or videos or recording you during a live chat with them.
However, once they have the intimate video or photo of you, they threaten to share it with your family, friends, or co-workers unless you give them what they want, which is usually money.
Look for the warning signs:
There are several warning signs that everyone needs to be aware about:
Something don’t add up: When things are too good to be true – it is usually a sign that something isn’t quite right. If the profile or other personal information doesn’t match up with what the supposedly your new contact is, it’s best to cut all contact altogether.
Moving way too fast: When the new friendship or relationship moves too fast – this is another tell-tale sign that this person is only after monetary gain, and not in a sincere relationship or friendship. Blackmailers use strong emotions in order to gain your trust, but also to move the relationship or friendship to other channels. Most of the 0ther channels for communication may include Signal or Telegram. While these apps are highly secure and offer encryption…..they are also notoriously used by blackmailers for this type of scam.
They use excuses: Blackmailers will often use excuses as to why their webcam isn’t working, or other supposedly technical issues, and instead, they send a nude photo that they claim is of them. Most likely, the supposed “nudes” they may send back to you are usually from adult websites such as Pornhub or OnlyFans, and not of their actual person. The use of deepfakes may also be employed to draw unsuspecting victims.
Under Pressure: Blackmailers will pile on their pressure to a victim to share a nude photo or video of themselves, or to be sexual very early in communicating with their victim. This can be a very daunting and overwhelming request for a young person—especially if they haven’t had a relationship before or if the victim is lonely—which will add to more psychological conflict for the victim.
Love Bombing: These types of blackmailers and scammers are experts in love bombing. This means that they will attempt to influence a person by demonstrations of attention and affection. This may include following the same hobbies as their intended victim. 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.
Another way that blackmailers will lure their victims is by pretending to be a sincere friend to you, as well as asking very personal questions about you in the first few conversations with their victim. Remember, you don’t need to share anything personal about yourself.
Remember, it’s always okay to say no to sending nudes or getting sexual online.
What happens if I am a victim?
The most important thing to do if you believe that you are a victim is to cease all communication with a blackmailer and to seek support.
Don’t pay the blackmailer or give them more money or intimate content. If you have already paid them by money transfer, you may be able to cancel it. Please contact your financial institution.
Before you do anything else, reach out for support. Being blackmailed over your intimate images or videos can be stressful and upsetting. You don’t have to cope on your own. It’s a good idea to tell a friend, family member, coworker, or someone else you trust so they can help you deal with the situation. Or you can contact a confidential counseling and support service.
Then follow these steps….
Collecting Evidence
Save a record of the evidence
- all contact from the blackmailer, particularly their demands and threats
- how they contacted you – for example, the Facebook URL (web address) where the blackmailer sent you a threat or their usernames on Snapchat, Instagram and any other online platforms
- when they contacted you, including dates and times
- details about the blackmailer – for example, their bank account or phone number
- any reports you have made about the issue to any online platforms or to police.
Taking screenshots or screen recordings, or photos of your screen with another device, is a quick and easy way to collect evidence. Include the threatening messages and blackmailer’s profile. Don’t send your images or videos to any other services.
The following resources are to help you on how to take screenshots on the following:
But make sure you don’t save nudes or sexual images or videos of anyone under 18, as that is usually illegal.
How to collect evidence:
Different countries will have different jurisdictions regarding how to collect evidence and if a potential criminal charge may occur. In Australia, it’s best to seek further advice from the eSafety commissioner.
Other countries may require different ways to collect evidence that comply with local laws and regulations.
If you don’t live in Australia, here is where you can get help in your country. You may need to scroll down the page to find this information.
Remember, different jurisdictions will have different ways of collecting this type of evidence for this heinous and deceptive crime, so it’s best to seek out your country’s laws and legal matters about sextortion.
llegal and restricted content
Do not take screenshots or photos of illegal and restricted content, especially child sexual exploitation material. Possessing, creating, or sharing sexualized images of people under 18 is usually unlawful. For more information about relevant laws in Australia, visit Youth Law Australia.
Illegal content is the worst type of harmful online material. It shows, describes, promotes, incites or instructs people in violent crimes including:
- sexual exploitation of children
- terrorist acts
- murder
- attempted murder
- rape
- torture
- kidnapping with violence or threats of violence
- suicide.
Child sexual exploitation material is any content that sexualises and takes unfair advantage of a child or young person under 18, as well as child sexual abuse material that shows their sexual assault.
eSafety can direct an online or electronic service or platform to remove it.
Seeking Legal advice
A legal service or private lawyer can help by discussing your legal options if you have experienced image-based abuse. This may include how to apply for a protection order if you need one in Australia. They can also help you engage with the police.
It will be easier for them to help if you give them as much information as you can about what happened, where, and when. This includes showing them evidence so they can understand it. It will save time if you collect evidence before you contact a legal service or private lawyer.
Taking screenshots, photos, or recordings of your device’s screen is a quick and easy way to collect evidence. But don’t save or share nudes or sexual images or videos of anyone under 18 or any other illegal or restricted content.
When you contact a legal service or private lawyer, remember to first ask about all the fees and costs you may be charged. Some community legal services offer free advice.
For people overseas, please seek support from your country, or your local police.
Remember:
If you are a victim of sextortion, it is not your fault, and there is support and guidance available to help you address it, as well as legal resources to ensure that this doesn’t happen again or to anyone else.
But please don’t save or share any nudes or sexual images or videos of anyone under the age of 18, as this is illegal and constitutes restricted content – and a crime.
Photo by Evelyn Chong on Pexels.com