Sextortion: Online Blackmail, Sexual Extortion and How to Find Help

Sextortion is one of the fastest-growing online crimes targeting young people. This article explains what it is, how to guard against it, and where to turn if you have been targeted.

What Is Sextortion?

Sextortion is sexual extortion or online blackmail, where criminals threaten to share sexual pictures, videos, or information they claim to have about you. Their goal is to obtain money from you, or to compel you to do something else — often to send more images or perform further acts on camera.

Blackmail that trades on fear and shame

There is no assurance that the criminal will honour any agreement made. Paying or giving in usually leads to escalating demands. Victims often feel devastating shame, embarrassment, and hopelessness — even when the images are not actually of them, or were never real in the first place.

How to Protect Yourself

Have clear moral boundaries which you will not cross, regardless of peer pressure or your inner desires. Decide in advance what you will and will not do, so the decision is already made before you are tested.

Set your boundaries before you are tested

Protect yourself by never exposing your body to anyone — except to your spouse or for specific medical purposes — and by refraining from photographing or distributing compromising images. Never assume a private image or conversation will stay private.

Furthermore, be careful about disclosing personal information on social media platforms, to prevent its misuse by individuals with malicious intent. Criminals often build a false friendship first, gathering details to make their threats seem credible.

Paul's words to Timothy were, “Set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in [sexual] purity” (1 Tim 4:12). He also said, “Think about the things that are moral and pure” (Phil 4:8).

How to Respond and Find Help

If you have been targeted, do not pay and do not comply with further demands. Stop all contact with the blackmailer, but do not delete the messages — they are evidence.

You are not alone — speak up and seek help

Tell a trusted adult, friend, or pastor, and report the crime to your local police or your national online-safety authority. Block the offender and take screenshots of their threats. Reporting early can stop the threats from escalating.

Above all, seek help. Shame loses its power when it is spoken in the open. There is forgiveness and restoration in Christ, and no mistake made online can place you beyond God's grace.

Reflection and Application:

Ask yourself: would I be comfortable if my private messages were read aloud to my family or church?
Decide now on the boundaries you will not cross, before pressure or desire tests them.
Review your privacy settings and think carefully before sharing images or personal details online.
If targeted, refuse to pay, keep the evidence, tell someone you trust, and report it promptly.