Rising scam threat

Scams are everywhere, with new variations and tactics emerging regularly from scammers trying to intrude on your life and steal your money, your identity and more. In an increasingly electronic world, the spread of digital scams represents a persistent threat to us all.  These sophisticated schemes, engineered by skilled cybercriminals, exploit weaknesses in technology and human behaviour to commit crimes.

Understanding how these criminals operate and recognising new trends is so important if you and your loved ones want to avoid becoming a victim of online abuse. 

What is sextortion

Sextortion scams pose a significant threat in Australia and New Zealand. These schemes not only jeopardise personal privacy but may also inflict emotional distress and financial loss. Understanding these scams is crucial in safeguarding yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to them.

Sextortion is a form of cyber blackmail where cybercriminals intimidate victims by threatening to disclose intimate photos or videos. The term ‘sextortion’ comes from ‘sex’ and ‘extortion’ which is the essence of this malicious act. Criminals typically acquire compromising material through hacking, social engineering tactics, or by manipulating victims into sharing their personal content.

Rising threat - statistics:

Recent reports have highlighted a disturbing surge in sextortion cases, with Scamwatch saying that  incidents are increasing rapidly. Alarmingly, a high proportion of victims are teenagers and young adults, although individuals of all ages can be targeted. The anonymity and extensive reach of the internet provide scammers with the opportunity to identify and prey upon victims.

In New Zealand in April 2024, it was reported that police receive 200 cases a month of sextortion and other online crimes and online child exploitation has ‘quadrupled’ in the last five years.

In Australia, it has been reported that one in seven (that’s about 15%) of adults have been victims of sextortion, according to a new global study, led by Melbourne’s RMIT University.

Several reasons contribute to the increased vulnerability of young people when it comes to sextortion:

1.    Increased online presence:  Teenagers and young adults today have grown up in a digital age where apps like Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok have become integral parts of their social lives. These platforms often encourage users to share photos and images, normalising the practice of sharing personal content with friends and online contacts, including those they've never met in person. However, this behaviour can expose young people to significant risks, such as sextortion. Communicating with strangers and sharing personal photos can lead to situations where individuals are blackmailed or coerced into providing more explicit content or money.

2.    Lack of awareness: many younger people may not have heightened awareness about the risks associated with sharing personal or intimate information online. It's essential to educate teens about the dangers of image misuse and sextortion, emphasising the importance of never sharing personal photos with anyone they do not know in real life and being cautious about their online interactions. Teaching them to protect their personal information and encouraging open communication with trusted adults can help them to navigate these digital spaces safely.

3.    Peer pressure and trust: scammers are very good at masquerading as acquaintances or romantic interests, exploiting the trust and emotional vulnerability of their targets to pressure people to share sensitive content.

Protective measures

Protecting yourself from sextortion and other cyber blackmail-related scams begins with practising good digital hygiene and maintaining awareness of online risks. 
•    Be cautious about the information and images you share online, especially with individuals you haven't met in person.  
•    Regularly review and adjust the privacy settings on your social media profiles to ensure that your personal information is only accessible to trusted contacts. 
•    Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.

Educate yourself about the signs of cyber blackmail and sextortion, such as unsolicited friend requests, unusual messages, or requests for personal information. If you ever find yourself targeted, do not engage with the blackmailer. Instead, report the incident to the platform involved and seek support from trusted friends, family, or professionals.

For families and children

Protecting young adults and children from sextortion starts with open communication and education. Parents should have regular, age-appropriate discussions with their children about the dangers of sharing personal information and images online. Emphasise the importance of not engaging with strangers on social media and the risks associated with sharing personal photos. Teach children how to use privacy settings effectively and encourage them to keep their profiles private.

Explain how to recognise red flags and potential threats, such as unsolicited friend requests or unusual messages. Encouraging younger users to speak up if they encounter anything suspicious or if they feel uncomfortable about an online interaction is so important. Installing and regularly updating security software on all family devices can provide an additional layer of protection against malware and other cyber threats. By fostering a supportive and informed family environment, parents can help their children navigate the digital world safely and confidently.

If you need help to recover from a scam, IDCARE is Australia and New Zealand’s national identity and cyber support service.  Call them on 1800 595 160 in Australia, 0800 121 068 in New Zealand or visit their website to access this service.