Sextortion-Style Romance Scams
Intimate images obtained or faked, then used to threaten and extort the victim.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
What this scam is
A sextortion-style romance scam obtains intimate images — real or AI-faked — through a flirtatious contact, then threatens to share them unless you pay. It targets people of all ages and can escalate quickly.
If this is happening to you, you are the victim of a crime. Support is available and paying rarely stops the threats.
How it works
An attractive new contact moves quickly to intimate conversation or a video call, captures or fabricates images, then threatens to send them to your contacts unless you pay. Demands often escalate after the first payment.
Common red flags
- A new contact rushing to intimate content or video
- Threats to share images with your contacts
- Demands for payment, then more payments
- Pressure and shame used to keep you silent
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
I've recorded everything and have your contacts. Pay [amount] in crypto or I send it to your family.
Payment methods used
- Crypto
- Gift cards
- Bank transfer
Who is usually targeted
- Teenagers and young adults
- Adults on dating apps
What to do immediately
- Stop paying — paying usually increases demands
- Do not engage further; preserve evidence
- Report to the platform and to police/cybercrime services
- If a minor is involved, contact dedicated child-protection hotlines
- Reach out to someone you trust — you are not to blame
Evidence to preserve
- Profile and messages
- Payment demands and any payments
- Usernames and links
Where to report it
- Action Fraud (UK) — UK national fraud & cybercrime reporting centre
- FTC ReportFraud (US) — US Federal Trade Commission fraud reports
- FBI IC3 (US) — US Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Scamwatch (Australia) — Australian competition & consumer reporting
- Local police / cybercrime unit — Sextortion is a crime — report it
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pay to make it stop?
Paying typically leads to more demands rather than ending them. Stop contact, preserve evidence, and report to the platform and police. Support services can help — this is a crime committed against you.