Romance-Turned-Sextortion
An online match builds intimacy, encourages you to share explicit photos or video, then threatens to expose them unless you pay.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
A flirtatious match quickly moves toward sharing intimate images or a video call, sometimes recording you without consent. Once they have material, they demand payment and threaten to send it to your family, friends, or coworkers. Paying rarely stops it — it usually invites more demands. The 'relationship' was a setup to obtain compromising content. This can target adults and, dangerously, teenagers.
What it usually looks like
- A match who rapidly pushes intimate photos or video.
- A recorded video call you did not expect.
- Sudden threats to expose you unless you pay.
- Demands by gift card, crypto, or app.
Common warning signs
- Fast escalation toward explicit content.
- A new online contact pushing intimacy.
- Threats to share images with your contacts.
- Payment demanded to stay quiet.
Example wording scammers use
“I recorded our call. Send $500 in crypto or I'll send it to your family and boss.”
“Pay now and I'll delete everything — you have one hour.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Payment under threat of exposure.
- To keep extorting after you pay.
- Your fear and shame.
This is general safety information, not professional advice. It is not legal, financial, medical, or immigration advice, and it does not create a professional relationship. For your own situation, speak with a qualified professional or the official organisation involved. If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency number.
What to do
- Do not pay; paying usually leads to more demands.
- Stop communicating and take screenshots of the threats and account.
- Set social accounts to private and warn no one needs to be paid.
- Report to the platform.
What to do if you already responded
- If you are overwhelmed or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, US) — it is free, 24/7, and confidential.
- Report to the FBI at ic3.gov and, for anyone under 18, to NCMEC (CyberTipline).
- Contact the platform to remove content and the account.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov and seek support; you are not alone.