Romance Blackmail Scams in Senegal
Sextortion networks in Senegal use fabricated online relationships to obtain intimate material and extort victims via Orange Money and Wave.
Part of: Romance Blackmail Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Romance blackmail is a growing threat in Senegal, where expanding mobile internet access and social media penetration have brought millions of people into contact with strangers online. Fraudsters — often operating in organised networks — create fake profiles on Facebook and Instagram, establish emotionally intimate relationships, encourage the sharing of intimate images or videos, and then threaten exposure.
Senegal's conservative social values make the threat of exposure particularly powerful, often preventing victims from reporting for fear of stigma. This silence benefits perpetrators and allows schemes to continue.
How this scam works on Senegal
A fake profile using attractive photographs initiates contact, often with flattery and apparent shared interests. After days of conversation, the relationship escalates. Once intimate material is obtained — either shared voluntarily or captured during a video call — the scammer's demeanour changes instantly: they identify themselves as having recorded or saved everything and demand payment.
Payment is typically demanded via Orange Money or Wave to a personal number, with a tight deadline. If the victim pays, demands increase. The scammer may also compile a list of the victim's Facebook friends or family contacts and threaten to send the material to each one to increase leverage.
Female victims in Senegal have reported being specifically targeted by operators who understand local social dynamics and tailor threats accordingly.
Common red flags
- Online contact who escalates intimacy very quickly after first contact
- Profile photographs are professionally polished or reveal no personal locations or context
- Push to move to video or a private platform soon after connecting
- Sudden shift to threats after any intimate material is shared or discussed
- Payment demanded via personal Orange Money or Wave number within hours
- Threats to contact specific named family members or employers
How to protect yourself
- Never share intimate material with someone you have not met and verified in person
- Reverse-image-search profile photos before developing trust
- Do not pay — payment rarely ends threats and funds further operations
- Screenshot all threatening messages before blocking
- Restrict your Facebook friend list visibility to limit the threat's leverage
- Seek support from a trusted person or professional — the victim bears no blame
How to report it
- Report to the Division Spéciale de la Cybersécurité (DSC) of the Senegalese Police
- Report the profile to Facebook or the relevant platform immediately
- Contact the Stop NCII service to have intimate images hashed and blocked from major platforms
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to have intimate images removed from the internet if they have been shared?
Yes. Report immediately to the platform, use the Stop NCII service, and file with the DSC. Platforms act quickly on non-consensual intimate image reports and can remove material.