That “I Have Your Video of You Masturbating” Email Is A Trap

A sextortion scam is a serious form of cybercrime, and sextortion scams are rising at a pace that has law enforcement sounding alarms nationwide.

Sextortion scams happen when criminals threaten to release intimate images or videos unless the victim sends money or more explicit content. Sometimes there are no real images at all. Instead, scammers send mass emails claiming they hacked your device and recorded you through your camera. They demand payment in cryptocurrency and give a short deadline.

The message is designed to scare you fast.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, sextortion scams have increased sharply over the last few years, especially cases targeting minors. The FBI has reported thousands of complaints tied to online sexual extortion, with financial losses in the tens of millions. In many teen cases, scammers pose as peers on social media before requesting photos. Then the threats start.

And the pressure is intense.

In adult-focused scams, criminals often claim they installed spyware or accessed your email account. They use technical language about trojan viruses and device access to make the threat sound believable. However, cybersecurity experts say these emails are usually sent in bulk and rely on fear, not proof.

Still, the emotional impact is real.

Victims report anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and in extreme cases, self harm. Because sextortion scams target shame and privacy, many people suffer in silence. Teens are especially vulnerable because they live online and often feel trapped when images are involved.

Parents are now being urged to talk to their kids early about online safety. The FBI and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children both advise families to report sextortion immediately rather than pay. Paying does not guarantee the content will disappear. In fact, it often leads to more demands.

So what should you do if you receive a sextortion message?

Do not respond. Do not pay. Preserve the evidence. Report the account to the platform. Then file a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center. If a minor is involved, contact local law enforcement and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Most importantly, know this.

You are not alone, and you are not powerless.

Sextortion scams thrive on silence and fear. But awareness, reporting, and open conversations shut that cycle down. The scammers want you isolated. The solution is community, information, and action.