This new tactic involves creating fake social media profiles that mimic the accounts of real people, often using stolen personal information. These profiles are then used to contact victims, often through private messages, and to spread misinformation or manipulate them into giving up sensitive information. The scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using advanced techniques to create convincing fake profiles.

This is a classic example of a “Google Street View house scam,” a type of online fraud that targets individuals by using their personal information to create a fake Google Street View image of their home. The scammer then uses this image to create a sense of legitimacy and pressure the victim into paying a ransom. Here’s how it typically works:

Sextortion is a serious crime with severe consequences. Victims can experience emotional distress, anxiety, shame, and even suicidal thoughts. The psychological impact of sextortion can be long-lasting and debilitating.