Sextortion Scam | New Zealand’s Crypto Scam Guide (2024)

Sextortion is a cybercrime where victims are pressured into sharing explicit content, followed by threats of exposure or demands for payment to prevent the release of the material. University students, who are highly active on social media and digital platforms, are particularly vulnerable to the growing risk of sextortion scams.

Nic Turnbull
October 23, 2024

Warning! If you suspect you've been scammed or fallen victim to a cryptocurrency fraud, don't wait! Contact Crypto Consulting NZ immediately. Our team is here to help guide you through the next steps.

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What to do if you’ve been Scammed

If you’ve fallen victim to a cryptocurrency scam it’s critical to take immediate action. At Crypto Consulting NZ, we specialize in scam support services tailored to your specific needs. We’ll help you confirm if you’ve been scammed, guide you through documenting your case, and provide expert advice on what to do.

Whether it’s Sextortion Scam or Rug Pulls our consultants can assist with every step of the process to ensure you’re informed and protected moving forward.

What Is a Sextortion Scam?

Sextortion is a form of online blackmail where someone threatens to expose private sexual images, videos, or information unless the victim complies with their demands, which may include sending more explicit content or money.

The perpetrator could be a stranger, acquaintance, or even a former intimate partner, and they often use fake accounts or fabricated footage to manipulate and intimidate the victim. The primary aim of sextortion is to create fear and control, leveraging personal vulnerability for exploitation.

How Does Sextortion Scam Work?

Scammers often create fake profiles on social media to manipulate victims into sharing explicit images or videos. In some cases, they may use fake footage or photos and claim it’s of you. Once they obtain the real or fake content, they begin making threats, such as posting it online or sending it to your friends unless you pay them or provide more explicit material.

Sextortion is a serious global issue, with blackmailers operating from anywhere in the world. While some may act alone, many are part of organized criminal groups profiting from this type of exploitation.

History Of Sextortion Scams

The term “sextortion” first appeared in print in 1950 in California. Since 2009, the Institute for Responsible Online and Cell-Phone Communication (IROC2) has been raising awareness about sextortion.

In 2009, the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ), along with partners from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Philippines, and Tanzania, launched a three-year program titled “Stopping the Abuse of Power through Sexual Exploitation: Naming, Shaming, and Ending Sextortion.”

Scientific studies have since explored sextortion across Europe, including a 2017 study in the Czech Republic. In China, sextortion has been linked to predatory lending practices targeting students.

In 2022, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection reported a threefold increase in sextortion cases, with a shift from female victims being targeted for images to young males being exploited for money. By 2023, the U.S. experienced a 150% rise in sextortion attempts, according to data from the National Center.

Important! If you think you’ve been the target of a sextortion scam you can contact Crypto Consulting NZ for advice and guidance. Our team is here to help guide you through the next steps.

Warning Signs of Sextortion

Here are the key warning signs to watch for:

Something feels off: Their online profile doesn’t match what you hear or see when you chat with them.
Moving too fast: They express emotions quickly and push you to switch to a private chat, urging you to engage in sexual conversations or video calls.
Excuses for not showing themselves: They claim their webcam is broken but send you a nude photo, pretending it’s them.
Pressure tactics: They continually ask you for explicit content, especially with your face in the shot.
“Bombing” with mutual connections: They try to friend or follow people from your social circle to make themselves seem more legitimate.

How Did They Trick Me?

Scammers use attractive images and fake profiles, often pretending to be young and interested in forming a relationship with you online to build trust.

In some cases, they may even share explicit content first, pushing you to do the same. It’s important to remember that the content they share is usually not theirs—they’ve likely obtained it from other sources.

These scammers are professionals who operate on a large scale. They create multiple fake social media accounts, targeting many people at once. In some cases, they hack into accounts to access personal info or even pretend to be someone you know or a friend of a friend to make you trust them more easily.

How Can I Prevent This from Happening to Me?

It can be risky to communicate with strangers online, but it’s important to remain cautious, even if someone seems trustworthy or you get caught up in the moment. Here are some steps to protect yourself:

Trust your instincts: If someone’s requests or behavior make you feel uncomfortable, trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

Set boundaries: Prioritize your well-being and set clear boundaries in your online interactions. It’s okay to say no, and you should always protect your personal information and privacy. If you’re uncertain or feel pressured, reach out to a trusted friend or adult for advice and support.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed.

If you’ve fallen victim to a Sextorition Scam, it’s crucial to act quickly. While the decentralized nature of cryptocurrency makes recovering funds difficult, there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage.

Crypto Consulting NZ offers scam support services to guide you through the recovery process. Here’s what you should do:

Document Everything: Save all correspondence, screenshots of transactions, and any relevant details about the scam. This information will be critical.
Alert Your Bank: If you’ve shared bank details, contact your bank immediately to flag any suspicious activity or halt future transactions.
Use Crypto Consulting NZ’s Scam Support Services: Crypto Consulting NZ specializes in helping victims of crypto scams by offering expert advice, guidance on documenting your case, and support through the process
Secure Your Devices and Accounts: If your personal data or login credentials have been compromised, reset all passwords, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), and scan your devices for malware.

Book a Consulting Session Today

18+ Years Of Combined Experience

Disclaimer: All content in this guide is intended for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial advice. As an individual, you are entirely responsible for how you conduct your investments and manage your cryptocurrency interests. It is exclusively your own responsibility to perform due diligence and Cryptocurrency NZ recommends taking extreme care and caution with crypto and are not responsible for the outcomes, management, or oversight of your activities.