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Sextortion is a type of cyber attack where an attacker threatens to share embarrassing or intimate pictures or videos of another person unless you comply with their demands, which may include sending money or performing other actions.
Spotting a Sextortion Attempt
Are you concerned about sextortion? Here's how to protect yourself:
Caution with Unsolicited Messages: Be wary of unsolicited messages, particularly those requesting sexually explicit photos or videos.
Watch for Threats: Look out for messages threatening to expose embarrassing or intimate information to your friends, family, or the public.
Be Wary of Personal Info: Beware of messages containing personal information about you or someone you know, which could result from hacking or phishing attempts.
Avoid Suspicious Links and Attachments: Do not click links or open attachments in messages that ask for your interaction.
Claims of Law Enforcement Contact: Be cautious of messages claiming to have contacted law enforcement.
Risks of Responding to a Sextortion Attempt
Responding to a sextortion attempt can have serious consequences and put you at risk. By engaging with the attacker, you may inadvertently provide them with more information to manipulate or exploit you. It's crucial to understand that responding to such attempts could worsen the situation. Instead, seek help from trusted friends, family, or professionals, such as counselors or law enforcement agencies.
Preventing Sextortion
Protect yourself from sextortion with these proactive measures:
Stay Informed:Educate yourself about common sextortion tactics and stay updated on the latest threats.
Online Relationships: Exercise caution with online relationships, especially if they begin requesting intimate photos or videos.
Guard Your Information: Never share sensitive or confidential data, especially if you are unsure of the recipient's identity or intentions.
Beware of Suspicious Messages: Exercise caution with suspicious messages or requests, and avoid clicking on links or downloading software from unknown sources.
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