Imagine this: Rahul, a 22-year-old college student, receives a friend request from a seemingly attractive stranger on social media. They hit it off quickly—messages turn into flirting, and before he knows it, Rahul is sharing personal photos and engaging in video calls. Just when he thinks things are going well, the nightmare begins. The stranger reveals their true intentions and demands money, threatening to share his intimate moments with friends and family if he refuses to comply.
This isn’t just a rare incident—it’s called sextortion, and it's becoming an epidemic. Men, often between the ages of 15 and 45, are being lured into similar traps. The goal? To extort money, ruin reputations, or, in some cases, manipulate victims for further gain.
But here’s the thing: Sextortion thrives on shame and secrecy. If you know how to protect yourself, you can avoid becoming a victim.
5 Ways to Stay Safe Online
- Think Before You Share: Even when chatting privately, avoid sending intimate photos or engaging in explicit conversations, especially with strangers. Once something is online, it’s nearly impossible to control where it ends up. If someone pressures you for private content, it’s a red flag.
- Set Strong Privacy Settings: Adjust your privacy settings on social media platforms to control who can contact you and see your posts. Limit friend requests and messages to people you know personally. The fewer unknown individuals who have access to your profile, the lower your risk.
- Be Wary of Strangers Online: Not everyone you meet online is who they claim to be. Catfishers often use fake profiles to gain trust. If someone tries to move the conversation to more private spaces too quickly (like video chats), proceed with caution.
- Never Pay or Comply with Threats: If someone demands money or threatens to expose you, do not engage or pay. Giving in to their demands only encourages more extortion. Instead, take screenshots, block the person, and report the account to the platform.
- Use a Webcam Cover: Many sextortion scams involve hackers gaining access to webcams without the user’s knowledge. A simple webcam cover or sticker can prevent anyone from spying on you without permission.
What to Do If You Get Caught in a Sextortion Scam
If you’ve been targeted, know that you are not alone, and help is available. Follow these steps:
- Don’t Panic: Remember, it’s a scam. You’re not at fault.
- Block and Report the Scammer: Immediately block them on all platforms and report the incident.
- Document the Incident: Take screenshots of the messages and threats as evidence.
- Contact the Authorities: Sextortion is illegal, and local cybercrime units can help. In India, report the incident to the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal or call 155260.
- Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a professional counsellor. Talking about it helps relieve the shame and stress.
Helplines and Resources
If you’ve been targeted, know that you are not alone, and help is available. Follow these steps:
- National Cyber Crime Helpline (India):1930
- National Commission for Women (NCW): 011-26942369, 26944754
- Social & Media Matters Sextortion Toolkit
- StopNCII: A global platform to report and prevent non-consensual intimate image abuse
- Cybercrime Reporting Portal
Final Thoughts
Sextortion preys on emotions like fear and shame, but you can fight back by being aware and prepared. Remember, the internet can be a great space to connect, but it’s also a space where scams thrive. By staying vigilant and protecting yourself online, you’re not just saving yourself from scams—you’re helping others around you avoid the same traps. Stay safe, stay smart, and remember: You’re not alone.