Security Tip: Sextortion…What It Is and How to Protect Yourself
I know we all tend to think that we, our co-workers, families and friends are too smart to fall for something like this. BUT…(you knew that was coming, right?) we have seen incidents like these happen. I strongly recommend that you read this, share with your families and friends, and stay smart out there in “cyberland”!
“Sextortion” is a serious internet crime that can lead to devastating consequences for victims. Sextortion occurs when someone threatens to distribute your private and sensitive material if you don’t provide them with images of a sexual nature, sexual favors, or money.
According to the FBI, here are some things you can do to avoid becoming a victim:
- Never send compromising images of yourself to anyone, no matter who they are — or who they say they are.
- Don’t open attachments from people you don’t know, and in general be wary of opening attachments even from those you do know.
- Turn off, and/or cover, any web cameras when you are not using them.
If you receive an email that claims they have video of you viewing pornography, do not answer, delete the scam email and do not pay any amount in any form.
The FBI says in many sextortion cases, the perpetrator is an adult pretending to be a teenager, and you are just one of the many victims being targeted by the same person. If you believe you’re a victim of sextortion, or know someone else who is, the FBI wants to hear from you: Contact your local FBI office (or toll-free at 1-800-CALL-FBI).
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