Royal Canadian Mounted Police / Gendarmerie royale du Canada

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B.C. RCMP

Sextortion

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What to do if you have been sextorted?

  1.  don’t panic, don’t pay and don’t send more.
  2.  block the extortionist but keep any communications you had with them and any images you sent to them.
  3. Lock down all your social media, they will often try and reach you with one or several fake profiles to continue their threats and make it look like more people are involved. Don’t except any new friends.

You can call your local police and they will help you navigate this without telling your parents. You are in control as the victim and police will only do what you are comfortable with. They can get you set up with emotional supports, and they can help you try and get your images deleted from the internet.

How to avoid sextortion?

  • Check to see how many friends the person has.
  • Check to see when their profile was created. If its new, it’s a scam.
  • Do the photos all look professional or stock photos?
  • Do the photos lack normal every day appearances like you would post?
    • Do a google image reverse search on them. They could either be stock photos or stolen from another victim.
  • They find excuses to not video chat with you if you ask. Internet connection issues, strict parents, no privacy, or, if older, a very important but confidential job.
    • That could be true (maybe) but then ask them to send a photo of them holding up a code word on a piece of paper to prove its them. If they are using someone else’s images they can’t do this.
  • It’s safest to not send nudes at all, but never send a nude if you have not seen them live and interacting with you. 

What limits you being a target of a sextortion?

  • Don’t show your face in social media
  • If you want to show your face on social media – never use your real name.
  • Never give identifying info in your profile like your school or where you live.
  • Never show the outside of your house or school in pictures or videos, or wear your uniform.
  • Privatize your account
  • Turn off your phone’s GPS or location features. Otherwise, your photos show your location.
  • Hide friends list when possible
  • Never use your full name in emails that are then visible on social media accounts.
  • Don’t tag other people that are in your photos, it can show predators who they are. Ask your friends not to tag you.
  • The safest thing to do is not send nudes at all… BUT if you choose to:
    • Never include your face
    • Never include marks, scars, tattoos, or other features that could identify you
    • If you send a separate face shot change the background of the photo (different room) and any clothes or jewelry from the nudes
    • Ensure they can’t prove its you if they share it.

Don’t want the police? That’s okay…. Here are some other resources.

Resources for parents, guardians and educators

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