The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a public service announcement warning that cybercriminals are actively targeting online accounts belonging to both adults and children to steal sexually explicit images and videos. This stolen content is then used for blackmail, sold on illicit marketplaces, or shared with other criminals who may further pressure victims into providing additional private material through sextortion.
Sextortion, as defined by the FBI, involves online blackmail where criminals threaten to publicly release explicit images or videos obtained through hacking or coercion. They may also demand payment to prevent the content from being leaked online or shared with the victim's family and friends. The FBI emphasized that once explicit content is stolen, it is often posted or sold on criminal marketplaces, frequently accompanied by the victim's personal information such as names, dates of birth, email addresses, phone numbers, and social media usernames. This can lead to re-victimization through harassment, stalking, or targeted attacks, including the advertising of stolen content on the victim's own social media pages.
In a related alert issued on the same day, the FBI and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) specifically cautioned that student-athletes are also being targeted in similar sexual exploitation schemes. They urged coaches, compliance staff, and athletic department leadership to raise awareness within their schools and communities regarding these threats.
The FBI identified several indicators associated with these schemes. These include unsolicited text messages claiming an account will be disabled without a verification code, and unsolicited emails referencing a new login with an embedded link to reset a password. The agency clarified that legitimate platforms or services will not request a verification code, temporary password, or PIN reset code from an account holder.
To mitigate risk, the FBI advises against replying to text messages or emails that request verification codes or prompt users to click password reset links. It also recommends against storing explicit photos or videos on social media accounts or other internet-accessible sites. Furthermore, the FBI suggests using complex passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication whenever possible. Passwords and PINs should not include personal information such as names, dates of birth, or other easily accessible details.
While the FBI did not specify the immediate catalyst for this recent warning, such public service announcements are typically issued following an observed increase in the types of incidents they address. Approximately five years ago, in September 2021, the bureau had also warned of a significant rise in sextortion complaints.
Victims of sextortion are advised to immediately cease all interaction with the criminals and contact law enforcement as soon as possible. Individuals convicted of sextortion can face substantial prison sentences. For example, in May, a Canadian man received a 33-year prison sentence for an eight-year-long sextortion scheme that targeted over 145 children in the United States, some as young as six years old.
