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
Environmental groups try blocking Trump's 'Alligator Alcatraz' with last-minute lawsuit

Eco Activists File Eleventh-Hour Lawsuit to Halt Trump’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

Several environmental organizations lodged a federal lawsuit on Friday, claiming that authorities…
Boat catches fire near Cape Canaveral, passengers saved

Boat Engulfed in Flames Near Cape Canaveral; All Passengers Rescued Safely

First responders rescued four people from a burning boat off the coast…
Family, friends remember Cassandra Brown at funeral

Loved Ones Gather to Honor Cassandra Brown at Her Funeral

Cassandra Brown was shot and killed June 13 on Grothe Street. Her…
Minnesota lawmakers shot: Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Tim Walz attend funeral for former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman

Minnesota Lawmakers Attacked: Leaders Including Joe Biden Attend Memorial for Ex-State Speaker Melissa Hortman

MINNEAPOLIS — Democratic former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman was celebrated for…
And Now for Some Good News: Dozens of Abused Belgian Malinois Freed, Sent to Happy Homes

Heartwarming Update: Dozens of Rescued Belgian Malinois Find Loving Homes

Today, I want to share a story that begins on a rather…
LeBron James opts for record 23rd NBA season, will stay with Lakers

LeBron James Commits to 23rd NBA Season, Continues with Lakers

LeBron James is exercising his $52.6 million option with the Los Angeles…
Russian Il-20 electronic intelligence aircraft in flight.

NATO Scrambles Jets to Intercept Russian Reconnaissance Plane Amid Kremlin’s Threats of ‘Direct’ Action Over Border Military Build-up

GERMAN fighter jets were dramatically scrambled to intercept a Russian spy plane…
Russia launches the biggest aerial attack since the start of the war, Ukraine says

Ukraine Reports Largest Airstrike by Russia Since War Began

KYIV, Ukraine — According to a Ukrainian official, Russia carried out its…
Unprecedented view of our neighboring Andromeda Galaxy revealed

Revealing a Never-Before-Seen Perspective of the Andromeda Galaxy

A new composite image of the Andromeda Galaxy is offering an unprecedented…
Mets hold players only meeting as season threatens to go off rails

Mets Call Players-Only Meeting Amid Season’s Potential Downward Spiral

PITTSBURGH — Saturday night became an unexpected meet and greet for the…
NYC, San Francisco and other US cities capping LGBTQ+ Pride month with a mix of party and protest

Cities across the US, including NYC and San Francisco, are concluding LGBTQ+ Pride month with both celebrations and demonstrations.

NEW YORK (AP) — LGBTQ+ Pride Month culminates with colorful celebrations as…
Semi-truck transporting 10,000 bottles of whiskey tips over -- but doesn't spill a drop

Semi-Truck Carrying 10,000 Whiskey Bottles Overturns Without a Spill

They avoided a major party foul. A semi-truck carrying 10,000 bottles of…