Sextortion Scams: How They Work and What to Do

Illustration for "Sextortion Scams: How They Work and What to Do" on AllBestCams. Sextortion scammers threaten to share intimate videos unless you pay. Learn how these scams work, how to avoid them and what to do if targeted.

Sextortion is a scam where someone threatens to share intimate images or videos of you unless you pay. It is common, and it targets adults on dating apps, social media and random chats far more than on real cam sites.

How the scam works

A stranger, often with a fake attractive profile, starts chatting.
They move you to a video app outside any cam site.
They record you, then send threats and a list of your contacts.
They demand money, often in gift cards or crypto.

How to avoid it

Stay inside real cam sites; performers there are verified and the site has rules.
Never move to outside apps with strangers.
Keep your face and identifying details out of camera.
Keep social media private.

If it happens to you

Do not pay. Paying usually leads to more demands.
Stop replying and block them.
Save screenshots of the threats.
Report to the platform and to the police; many countries have dedicated cybercrime units.