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CRITICAL THREAT · Consumer Fraud

Warning: Avoid Deceptive 'Sextortion Relief' Services

Victims of sextortion are being targeted by secondary scams involving 'relief' or 'assistance' services that falsely promise to remove intimate images or stop extortionists for a fee. The FTC has recently taken legal action against companies like Digital Forensics for exploiting these victims.

10/21/2026Social media platformsMessaging applicationsEmail servicesOnline forums

Warning signs

  • Companies offering 'guaranteed' removal of intimate images for a fee
  • High-pressure sales tactics exploiting the victim's fear and crisis state
  • Claims that the service can identify anonymous extortionists or communicate with them on your behalf
  • Lack of verifiable, independent positive reviews or presence of 'scam' or 'complaint' warnings in online searches
  • Promises of quick fixes for complex, international criminal extortion schemes

What you should do

  • Report the crime immediately to local law enforcement and the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or 1-800-CALL-FBI
  • Report the perpetrator's account directly to the social media or messaging platform using their built-in safety features
  • Block the predator immediately to prevent further contact
  • Research any company offering 'help' by searching their name alongside terms like 'scam', 'review', or 'complaint'
  • Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor for emotional support
  • Use free resources provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) if the victim is a minor
Sextortion is a serious crime where perpetrators coerce victims into sending explicit material or money through threats of public exposure. Beyond the initial threat, victims are increasingly targeted by predatory 'sextortion relief' services. These companies often charge thousands of dollars while failing to deliver on promises to stop threats, remove content, or identify criminals. Authorities, including the FBI and FTC, warn that these paid services are often scams. Victims should avoid paying for such services and instead rely on official law enforcement channels and free platform-based reporting tools.

Sources

https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/10/how-avoid-deceptive-sextortion-assistance-services-and-find-real-helphttps://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/10/ftc-sues-operator-sextortion-relief-scheme-misleading-consumers-believing-it-would-identifyhttps://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/sextortion/financially-motivated-sextortionhttps://ovc.ojp.gov/library/publications/resources-sextortion-victimshttps://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/10/sextortion-what-do-if-youre-targeted