Romance Blackmail Scams in Greece
Sextortion operations target Greek men on social media and dating apps, threatening to share intimate content with family and employers unless crypto payments are made.
Part of: Romance Blackmail Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sextortion — 'σεξτόρσιον' or 'εκβιασμός με σεξουαλικό υλικό' — has emerged as one of the most commonly reported internet crimes in Greece. The Cybercrime Division of the Hellenic Police logs thousands of cases annually, with male victims aged 20–60 representing the majority of reported cases.
Criminal groups operating from North Africa and West Africa specifically target Greek-speaking men on Facebook, Instagram and dating platforms such as Tinder and Badoo, using AI-enhanced profile photos and scripted Greek-language conversations.
How this scam works on Greece
An attractive profile on Facebook or Instagram initiates contact, quickly shifting to intimate conversation. The victim is invited to video chat on WhatsApp or a third-party link, during which the criminal records the session without consent.
A follow-up message — often from a 'cousin' or 'uncle' — threatens to send the recording to the victim's Facebook friends, Instagram followers and LinkedIn connections unless payment of €500–€3,000 is made via crypto or bank transfer within a deadline.
In Greece, criminals have specifically targeted men with identified government, military or professional roles, calculating that reputational damage threats carry higher leverage. Hellenic Police note that perpetrators rarely act on threats when payment is refused, but the pattern of escalating demands continues regardless.
Common red flags
- Rapid escalation from social-media contact to intimate video calls
- Request to use an unfamiliar app or private link for video chat
- Threat from a 'family member' after a video call, citing your contacts
- Payment demand via crypto or bank transfer with a tight deadline
- Threat to contact named family members or employer
- Escalating demands following any initial payment
How to protect yourself
- Avoid intimate video calls with contacts you have not met in person
- Set social media contact lists and followers to private
- Do not pay — reported cases confirm payment consistently leads to higher demands
- Screenshot all threatening messages before blocking
- Contact the Cybercrime Division's online portal for immediate guidance
How to report it
- Hellenic Police Cybercrime Division: cybercrimeunit.gr — dedicated online report
- Hellenic Police emergency: 100 — for urgent cases
- Victim support: epavlesupport.gr — specialist cybercrime victim support in Greece
Frequently asked questions
They claim to have identified me as having a government or military role and are threatening extra exposure — does that change my options?
No — the advice is the same regardless of profession: don't pay, preserve evidence, and report to the Cybercrime Division, which handles cases involving professionals routinely and confidentially.
Is it common for Greek sextortion cases to actually follow through on the threat?
Reports from the Hellenic Police indicate perpetrators rarely act on threats once payment is refused, though the psychological pressure is real. Reporting and blocking is still the recommended path rather than paying.
Should I report even if I'm embarrassed about how the situation started?
Yes — Cybercrime Division staff handle these reports routinely and without judgment; you are the victim of a crime, and reporting promptly improves the chance of stopping further harassment.
Is sextortion a criminal offence in Greece?
Yes. Sextortion constitutes extortion under Article 385 of the Greek Penal Code. Victims have full legal protection and should report without hesitation — they are not at fault.