ScamWatch USA
Log in
Back to Scam Alerts
CRITICAL THREAT · Consumer Fraud

Warning: Deceptive Sextortion Assistance Scams

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and FBI have issued warnings regarding predatory for-profit companies that falsely claim to provide 'sextortion assistance' services. These entities exploit victims already in crisis by charging exorbitant fees for ineffective or non-existent services, often using high-pressure tactics and false promises to secure payment.

11/2/2026Social media platformsMessaging applicationsEmail servicesOnline forums

Warning signs

  • Company requires payment before services are rendered
  • Company representative discourages contact with law enforcement
  • Use of high-pressure, scare, or manipulative tactics
  • Claims of being connected to government or law enforcement agencies
  • Company instructs victims to continue communicating with the blackmailer
  • Promises of legally unenforceable actions like 'cease and desist' orders

What you should do

  • Ignore and block the blackmailer immediately; do not pay or provide access to devices
  • Report the incident to local law enforcement and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov
  • If the victim is a minor, report the incident to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) via the CyberTipline
  • Use free resources like TakeItDown.ftc.gov to request the removal of intimate images from online platforms
  • Seek support from trusted friends, family, or professional counselors
  • Research any paid service by searching the company name with terms like 'scam', 'review', or 'complaint', and ignore paid search results
Sextortion involves threats to share intimate images unless a victim pays a ransom. Deceptive companies have been identified that prey on these victims by promising to stop threats, remove content, or report perpetrators to authorities. In reality, these companies often fail to deliver services, use manipulative tactics to keep victims communicating with blackmailers, and generate fake positive reviews. The FTC recently sued operators of such schemes, noting that they charge thousands of dollars for services that are never performed. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, emphasize that legitimate assistance from authorities and non-profit organizations is provided free of charge.

Sources

https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/10/how-to-avoid-deceptive-sextortion-assistance-services-and-find-real-helphttps://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber/alerts/2023/for-profit-companies-charging-sextortion-victims-for-assistance-and-using-deceptive-tactics-to-elicit-paymentshttps://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/10/ftc-sues-operator-sextortion-relief-scheme-misleading-consumers-believing-it-would-identify