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
Porta-potty peep scheme busted as man faces nearly 100 charges for filming students: police

Man Arrested for Allegedly Filming Students in Porta-Potties, Faces Extensive List of Charges

An Iowa resident is facing close to 100 charges after authorities discovered…
Former St. Johns fire chief wins lawsuit

Ex-St. Johns Fire Chief Triumphs in Landmark Legal Victory: What This Means for Firefighting Leadership

St. Johns County has agreed to a $500,000 settlement with its former…
Miami Heat's Terry Rozier, Portland coach Chauncey Billups arrested in FBI probe

FBI Investigation Leads to Arrests of Miami Heat’s Terry Rozier and Portland Coach Chauncey Billups

Charges against Rozier and Billups are tied to two significant cases: one…
Melodee Buzzard: Timeline of investigation into missing 9-year-old girl from Santa Barbara, California

Investigative Timeline: The Disappearance of 9-Year-Old Melodee Buzzard from Santa Barbara, California

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has stepped in to assist in the…
Chicago crash: 1 arrested in attempt to hit federal agents in vehicle near Ogden, 26th Street in Little Village, Cicero police say

Chicago Incident: Suspect Arrested in Alleged Vehicle Assault on Federal Agents in Little Village, Cicero

CHICAGO — In a dramatic incident on Chicago’s Southwest Side on Wednesday…
Five Points businesses recovering after break-ins

Five Points Businesses Rebound Following Recent Break-Ins

Pattaya Thai is among several businesses in Five Points grappling with the…
Texas mounted patrol caught on camera capturing illegal immigrant hiding in ranch brush near southern border

Texas Mounted Patrol Captures Undocumented Immigrant Concealed in Ranch Brush Near Southern Border, Caught on Camera

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has released video footage showcasing…
Tropical Storm Melissa is now forecast to become a major hurricane as it trends toward a concerning track

Tropical Storm Melissa Predicted to Intensify into a Major Hurricane, Following a Worrisome Path

Tropical Storm Melissa is slowly making its way across the Caribbean Sea,…
Eight Americans arrested in Bahamas after authorities discover 'high-powered weapons' cache, ammunition

Shocking Discovery: Eight Americans Detained in Bahamas for Hidden Arsenal of High-Powered Weapons

In a significant operation on Tuesday, eight American citizens were detained in…
NYC socialist mayoral candidate Mamdani's 911 plan called 'worst idea' by former NYPD

Former NYPD Criticizes NYC Mayoral Candidate Mamdani’s Controversial 911 Reform Proposal

Mamdani calls for ‘reorganizing’ NYPD 911 response In a mayoral debate held…
How inflatable costumes ballooned at anti-Trump rallies due to a Portland protester's frog outfit

Inflatable Costumes Take Center Stage at Anti-Trump Rallies, Inspired by Portland Protester’s Frog Attire

In Portland, Oregon, a unique form of protest unfolded when Seth Todd…
Former New York state trooper sentenced to 6 months in prison after faking his own shooting: 'disgraceful'

Ex-New York Trooper Jailed for Six Months Over Fake Shooting Incident: Described as ‘Disgraceful

A former New York state trooper received a six-month jail sentence on…