What Victims of Sextortion Scams Need to Know

February 23, 2022

With the rise of technology also comes the rise of nefarious characters using it to scam innocent parties. Many people think they can spot a scam easily, especially sextortion scams, but the truth is that these scams are getting more and more difficult to see — even for a discerning web user.

You may not realize that as a the victim of a sextortion scam, you have the right to sue a scammer for money the scam cost you. Not sure if you are a victim of sextortion? Read on to see if this applies to you.

 

What Is a Sextortion Scam?

Typically, a sextortion scam begins with the scammer enticing the other party with sexual discussion, typically with the intent to receive nude images. They may even initiate by sending nude images (typically of somebody else or found on the web).

Then, the scammer will use the nude photos or texts as a way to get money from the victim. Often, the scammer will pretend to be a police officer or an angry father demanding the money, and if the victim doesn’t pay, the scammer will release the photos on Facebook.

Another type of sextortion scam is one in which the victim receives an email that states the sender has webcam images of you in a compromising state. They demand ransom, and in exchange they will not release the images to social media or send them to your friends and family members.

Unfortunately, these scams get more sophisticated as time goes on. Of course, this does not mean that the authorities are unable to figure out who is behind them.

 

Who Is Behind Sextortion Scams?

In the past, many different parties have been behind these scams. One case involving members of the Navy as victims discovered that prison inmates were posing as women on dating sites and then using the images to get money from the soldiers.

Other times, a personal acquaintance of the victim is behind the scam. An individual might be angry at you or try to get revenge for some slight in the past. They may turn to this scam as a way to seek vengeance.

 

Why Is a Sextortion Scam a Legal Matter?

In 2017, more than 440 military members collectively lost at least $560,000 as victims of sextortion scams, and more people become victims each day. Some people pay once and others pay time and time again to prevent the release of photos that may not even exist. The loss of money is a necessary factor if you are thinking about suing the person who scammed you.

Additionally, a sextortion scam can lead to identity theft if the individual does have your passwords and banking information. If the individual is somebody you know, you can pursue a legal case against him or her.

In other cases, the victim of the scam has died by suicide, leaving loved ones with deep emotional wounds.

 

Can You Recoup Your Losses After a Sextortion Scam?

In some cases, you may be able to recover losses. Some people are able to track down the scammer with the criminal legal system to find this person and get their money back after the blackmail.

In other cases, the victim sues individuals or organizations who helped the scam occur. For example, one group of victims sued a website that facilitated the scam by erasing blockchain histories after blackmailing victims to pay with Bitcoin. The Cochran Firm Mid-South understands the fight ahead of you. If you suspect you have been the victim of a sextortion scam and have lost money as a result, you may have a strong case. Call us today to discuss the potential for recouping your losses.

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