Sextortion meaning: What to do if you receive threatening email, direct message connected to common scam
Share this @internewscast.com

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 employee at ABC7 received a threatening email. The message included the employee’s home address and phone number, along with a claim of possessing an explicit video, demanding a payment to prevent its release.

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.

Scammers who engage in sextortion may be bluffing about having these videos. They might take screenshots from apps or even edit a victim’s face onto fabricated images.

“Often, we notice they place our victim’s faces on bodies that aren’t theirs, creating panic,” mentioned Kizler. “The best approach is to save any messages, gather any usernames or emails, and avoid responding.”

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.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Introducing the ‘Sea Spaceship’: A Futuristic Luxury Yacht Promising a Refined, Million-Dollar Getaway

A FUTURISTIC luxury yacht that’s dubbed a “sea spaceship” has been unveiled.…
Trump says 'very close' to securing Israel, Hamas ceasefire, returning hostages

Trump Claims Proximity to Achieving Israel-Hamas Ceasefire and Hostage Return

President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have expressed optimism…
The Left's Continual Calls for Assassinations Are Growing Alarming

Trump Shares How He Believes Divine Intervention Saved Him on the Anniversary of Butler Assassination Attempt

During a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, President Donald Trump marked the one-year…
Ellen DeGeneres backs Rosie O'Donnell after President Trump's citizenship threat

Ellen DeGeneres supports Rosie O’Donnell amid President Trump’s citizenship dispute

Ellen DeGeneres is in Rosie O’Donnell’s corner. In spite of their long-standing…
Mugshot of Guy House, Kentucky church shooter.

Kentucky Church Shooter Threatened Violence in Troubling Online Posts About Children’s Mother Before Killing Two

THE Kentucky church shooter made multiple disturbing posts about his children’s mother…
One year later: Trump assassination attempt led to Secret Service overhaul

A Year After: How the Attempted Assassination of Trump Transformed the Secret Service

Here’s a look at what went wrong, what’s been done to address…
Trump economic adviser says White House probing Fed renovation costs, authority to fire Powell

Trump Economic Adviser Reports White House Investigation into Federal Reserve Renovation Costs and Authority to Dismiss Fed Chair Powell

President Trump holds the power to dismiss Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell…
Receipt from a Fortaleza cabaret showing charges for drinks, condoms, a show, and a 50% Trump tariff for an American customer.

Brothel Implements 50% “Trump Tax” for American Clients, Dramatically Raising “Full Service” Costs in Retaliatory Action

A BRAZILIAN brothel has slapped a steamy 50 per cent tax on…
ICE removes airplane hijacker among 1,361 violent criminals in Houston sweep

ICE deports airplane hijacker in operation targeting 1,361 violent criminals in Houston

In June, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended 1,361 illegal immigrants in…
Senate GOP Plans Another Bite of the Reconciliation Apple, and Guess Who's Opposed

Senate Republicans Try Again with Reconciliation, but Opposition Arises

The One Big Beautiful Bill has been approved and signed into law…
Yankees in trouble if inadequate first half gets benefit of grading on curve

Yankees Could Face Challenges if They Receive a Generous Assessment for Their Unimpressive First Half

Aaron Boone graded his team as “incomplete” for the first half. Inadequate…
Watch: Trump Celebrates Life at FIFA Club World Cup, One Year After Assassination Attempt

Video: Trump Enjoys Life at FIFA Club World Cup, One Year Post-Assassination Attempt

I’m sure most of us can easily recall where we were a…