Romance Blackmail Scams in Italy
Sextortion and romance blackmail operations target Italian men and women on dating apps and social platforms, threatening to expose intimate content to family and colleagues.
Part of: Romance Blackmail Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Romance blackmail — locally called 'sextortion' or 'ricatto sentimentale' — is one of the fastest-growing cybercrimes in Italy. The Polizia Postale recorded thousands of sextortion reports each year, with male victims aged 30–60 disproportionately represented. Organised criminal groups, often operating from West Africa or Eastern Europe, target Italian residents through Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and dating apps.
Victims are groomed online before being persuaded to share intimate images or join video calls, after which criminals demand payment — typically via bank transfer to a foreign account or crypto — threatening to send recordings to the victim's LinkedIn contacts, family or employer.
How this scam works on Italy
Initial contact arrives via a friend request or direct message from a person with an attractive profile photo. Conversation quickly becomes intimate and the victim is encouraged to engage in video chat or exchange photos. The criminal records the session without consent.
Soon after, a different 'manager' contacts the victim with a payment demand, presenting a list of the victim's Facebook or LinkedIn contacts and stating they will receive the video unless payment arrives within hours. The demands often start at €500–€2,000 and escalate if any payment is made.
In Italy, WhatsApp is the primary payment-demand channel, with criminals often using verified-looking Italian mobile numbers purchased through SIM farms.
Common red flags
- Unknown person initiates contact with unusually attractive profile photos
- Conversation turns romantic or explicit very quickly — within days
- Request to move to a private video call on an unfamiliar platform
- After a call, you receive a threat accompanied by a list of your contacts
- Payment demanded via bank transfer to foreign IBAN, prepaid card or crypto
- Blackmailer claims to have a 'lawyer' who will file criminal charges
How to protect yourself
- Do not share intimate images or join explicit video calls with people you have not met in person
- Review your social media privacy settings — restrict who can see your friend list
- If threatened, do not pay — payment almost always triggers further demands
- Document everything: screenshots of all messages before blocking the account
- Seek support from Telefono Azzurro or a Sportello antiviolenza for emotional assistance
How to report it
- Polizia Postale: commissariatodips.it — dedicated sextortion reporting category
- Local Questura: file a 'querela' for extortion ('estorsione') under Article 629 of the Italian Penal Code
- Supporto vittime: poliziadistato.it — victim support contacts
Frequently asked questions
Should I pay to stop a sextortion threat in Italy?
No. Law enforcement and victim-support organisations universally advise against paying. Payment does not guarantee material is deleted and typically leads to escalating demands. Report immediately to the Polizia Postale.