Financial sextortion is a serious threat that can originate on social media, dating websites, apps, messaging services, and gaming platforms. This sinister scheme begins innocently, with individuals believing they are engaging with someone interested in a relationship or offering something valuable.
The scammer solicits compromising photos and videos from the victim. They then use these materials as leverage, threatening to expose them unless the victim complies with their demands for money and/or gift cards. The amount demanded can vary widely, and disturbingly, the offender often releases the explicit content regardless of whether the victim meets their demands.