Module 3 of 6

Sextortion — What Every Teen Must Know

Sextortion is a serious form of online exploitation. It is not the victim's fault. This module covers recognition, response, and current official resources.

What Is Sextortion

The Crime, Defined Plainly

Sextortion is when someone threatens to share private or sexual images or information unless the victim provides money, more images, or continued contact. It is exploitation. It is not the victim's fault.

80K+

CyberTipline reports concerning sextortion in 2025 (NCMEC)

1.4M

reports concerning online enticement in 2025 (NCMEC)

Help

Tell a trusted adult and use official reporting and removal resources

How It Typically Starts

Step 1: Targeting. The perpetrator identifies a victim — usually on gaming platforms, Instagram, Snapchat, or dating apps. They create a fake profile that appears attractive and age-appropriate.

Step 2: Grooming. They build trust over days or weeks — complimenting you, sharing interests, escalating intimacy gradually. This can feel like a real connection.

Step 3: Image acquisition. They request or manipulate you into sharing an intimate image, or claim to already have one (often fabricated).

Step 4: The threat. They threaten to share the image with your family, school, or contacts unless you send money or more images. The threats escalate.

Critical fact: Complying NEVER makes it stop. Every payment or additional image increases the perpetrator's leverage and their confidence that you will comply again. The only effective response is to stop contact and report.

If This Is Happening to You Right Now

You Are Not Alone. Here Is What to Do.

Stop contact with the person immediately. Do not send more images or money. Save the evidence (screenshots of threats and messages). Then contact one of these resources:

NCMEC CyberTipline

1-800-843-5678 · cybertipline.org · Available 24/7 · Reports go directly to law enforcement

FBI Online Tips

tips.fbi.gov · For financial sextortion crimes

NCMEC Take It Down

takeitdown.ncmec.org · Free help for images or videos taken when the person was under 18

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741 · If you are in emotional distress

Recognition Activity

Recognize the Playbook

Each of these is a real tactic used in sextortion cases. Tap each to understand what it signals and what to do.

Key Principle

What Never Works — and What Always Does

Never Works

• Sending more images
• Sending money
• Continued contact
• Begging them to stop
• Staying silent and hoping

Always Do

• Stop contact immediately
• Screenshot the threats
• Tell a trusted adult
• Report to NCMEC or FBI
• Use NCMEC Take It Down if the image was taken before age 18

Module Quiz

Test Your Understanding

8 questions — no limit on attempts.

Parent & Educator Information →