Sextortion meaning: What to do if you receive threatening email, direct message connected to common scam

CHICAGO (WLS) — The ABC7 Chicago I-Team has an alert on sextortion.

It involves threatening letters delivered through email or direct message, claiming to have compromising videos, but they’re scams.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The I-Team has obtained one of these messages that even some colleagues received.

The FBI says it’s affecting people of all ages across the Chicago area and the country.

Here’s what you should know if you are targeted.

An ABC7 staff member recently received a threatening email containing personal details like their address and phone number. The email also mentioned having a compromising video of the employee and demanded payment.

The scammer says they used malware on pornographic sites to capture video of the victim watching.

“And I’ve got access to all of your emails, contacts, and social media accounts too,” the message said.

They then demand the victim pay up, or they will send everything.

The cost was 1,950 in Bitcoin.

“If you throw out a wide net, you’re more likely to catch more victims,” Chicago FBI Special Agent Ashley Kizler said.

Kizler says the FBI is seeing a surge in sextortion cases.

Individuals engaging in sextortion may not actually possess the claimed images; instead, they might create fake images by capturing screenshots from various sources. Some even go as far as doctoring images by superimposing a victim’s face onto unrelated photos.

“We have encountered cases where the perpetrators edit our victims’ faces onto bodies that aren’t theirs, causing immense distress,” explained Kizler. “The recommended course of action is to save all correspondence, gather information such as usernames or email addresses, and avoid engaging with the sender.”

And no matter what you think they have on you, Kizler says never send money.

“The demand doesn’t stop once they know they’ve been able to get money from you the first time. They will probably attempt several more times,” Kizler said.

Sextortion has also become a growing threat to kids, often starting on seemingly innocent platforms.

“We’ve seen sextortion targeting minors, building rapport with a minor, not necessarily a teenager, then asking for illicit pictures,” Kizler said. “You need to have an open line of communication about this.”

She also says to go over a safety plan and tell them to not communicate with strangers online.

If you get a message like this, don’t respond. Save it, and report it to the FBI at IC3.gov, or contact local law enforcement.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
Chicago braces for deadly July 4 weekend as Fox News analyst takes action in brother's unsolved murder

Fox News analyst intervenes in sibling’s unsolved murder as Chicago anticipates dangerous July 4th weekend.

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The city of Chicago…
Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Fight Streaming Info: Start Time, Card, Where To Watch The Jake Paul Fight Live

How to Watch Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Fight: Start Time, Fight Card, and Streaming Details

Streaming live from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California is the 10-round…
Ex-wife of alleged Gilgo Beach killer still defends him, but daughter says he ‘most likely’ did it

Former wife of suspected Gilgo Beach murderer maintains his innocence while their daughter believes he is likely guilty

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Asa Ellerup is grappling…
Startling new satellite pictures show secret activity at Iranian nuclear site that the US bombed to pieces

Recent satellite images reveal hidden operations at an Iranian nuclear facility destroyed by US airstrikes

New satellite photos have revealed that Iran is trying to piece together its…
Trump is a Jacksonian President—and Reagan Might Have Been, Too

Trump embodies the Jacksonian style of presidency, and it is possible that Reagan shared similar traits as well.

In a recent article from Politico, Senator Mitch McConnell, the former Republican…
DOJ forced top lawyer to register as foreign agent for Burisma...but not Hunter Biden, bombshell files reveal

Department of Justice required principal attorney to disclose as foreign representative for Burisma, but not Hunter Biden, new documents expose

Recently released government records indicate that a well-known attorney, who advocated for…
‘Smoke’s Jaw-Dropping Episode 2 Twist Explained: Is [SPOILER] An Arsonist?

Unraveling the Shocking Twist in Episode 2 of Smoke: Could [SPOILER] Be Responsible for Arson?

After Episode 2 of the thrilling series Smoke ends, viewers are left…
Norwegian royal charged with rape; police say victim count in double digits

Member of Norwegian royalty accused of rape; authorities report multiple victims involved

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The oldest son of…
Oscar-winning actress Marion Cotillard is tight lipped as she and partner Guillaume Canet SPLIT after 18 years

Marion Cotillard and partner Guillaume Canet end relationship after 18 years: Oscar-winning actress remains reserved.

The Oscar-winning actress Marion Cotillard and her partner Guillaume Canet revealed on…
Stunning reason why mother gave marijuana edibles to 6-year-old daughter

Surprising explanation for why a mother provided cannabis-infused treats to her 6-year-old child

Deanna Sue Woods, 36, was sentenced to prison on Wednesday after allegedly…
Legendary Mission: Impossible composer Lalo Schifrin dies aged 93

Renowned composer of Mission: Impossible, Lalo Schifrin, passes away at 93

The legendary composer who wrote the Mission: Impossible theme song has passed…
Fireworks will light up this Fourth of July. Next year could be different if tariff talks fizzle

Fireworks will brighten the skies on Independence Day. Changes may happen next year if discussions on tariffs lose momentum.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Every spring, Carla Johnson follows a routine of sending…