Romance Blackmail Scams in Peru
Sextortion targeting Peruvians via Facebook and WhatsApp exploits social shame and family reputation concerns, with payment collected through Yape or Western Union.
Part of: Romance Blackmail Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Romance blackmail scams in Peru follow a pattern well-adapted to local social norms, exploiting concern for family and professional reputation. Perpetrators — often operating from outside Peru — create attractive social media profiles, establish romantic connections with Peruvian adults, then capture intimate content during video calls using screen recording or pre-prepared profiles.
Payment demands via Yape, Plin, or Western Union are made under threat of distribution to the victim's family WhatsApp group or employer. The anonymity of these payment methods suits the scammer and increases victim compliance.
How this scam works on Peru
A new Facebook or Instagram contact with an attractive, recently created profile initiates conversation, quickly moving to romantic topics. After days or weeks, a video call is suggested and intimate content is obtained through screen recording or a pre-scripted scenario. The blackmail demand arrives within minutes of the call ending.
The scammer presents screenshots of the victim's contact list and names specific family members or colleagues as targets for distribution. Payment of S/. 300–3,000 via Yape to a named number is demanded, with the threat of immediate distribution if not paid within one hour. Each payment typically triggers a further demand.
Some variants use deepfake technology to create convincing but fabricated intimate videos featuring the victim's face, even when no real intimate content was shared.
Common red flags
- New online contact quickly becomes romantic and requests video calls or intimate content
- Profile appears recently created with suspiciously attractive photos
- Immediately after intimate exchange, blackmail demands arrive
- Payment via Yape or Western Union to avoid traceable bank transfer
- Scammer names specific family members to demonstrate access to your contacts
- Each payment leads to a further demand within days
How to protect yourself
- Never share intimate content with someone you have not thoroughly verified in person
- Restrict social media contact list visibility to known friends and family
- If blackmailed, do not pay — contact DIDAT immediately
- Preserve all evidence (screenshots, usernames, video call details) before blocking
- Block the account across all platforms immediately
- Seek emotional support — organisations working with cybercrime victims can provide confidential assistance
How to report it
- Report to DIDAT of the PNP at divindat.pnp.gob.pe
- Report the profile to Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp using in-platform tools
- Contact the Ministerio Público if the scammer is identified and located within Peru
Frequently asked questions
Are deepfake blackmail threats real?
Deepfake technology can generate convincing intimate content using only a few photos of a person. Whether content is real or fabricated, the psychological harm of blackmail is the same. Do not pay — report to DIDAT.