Security News > 2023 > April > FBI warns of companies exploiting sextortion victims for profit
For-profit companies reportedly linked to sextortion activity are targeting victims using various deceptive tactics to pressure them into paying for "Assistance" services provided by non-profit agencies and law enforcement for free, the FBI warns.
Sextortion is a digital extortion scheme where criminals use phishing emails or fake social media profiles to deceive potential victims into sharing explicit videos or images later used for blackmail.
In a public service announcement published on Friday, the FBI said that such companies use a wide range of methods, from threats and manipulation to feeding the victims false information, to persuade sextortion victims into paying exorbitant fees for their help.
"For-profit companies can take advantage of victims' desperation for assistance and potential feelings of fear or shame that may result from the sextortion," the FBI warned.
These companies may also discourage victims from contacting law enforcement and reporting the sextortion attempts, and they might also be "Directly or indirectly involved in the sextortion activity."
Victims are advised to stop interacting with the criminals, immediately contact law enforcement, and file a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.