Blackmail and extortion are among the oldest scams — and unfortunately, they’re still effective. A fresh wave of these threats is targeting both adults and teens online, using fear, shame, and manipulation to pressure victims into sending money or sensitive content. Here’s how these scams work and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.

How These Scams Work

Victims often receive emails or messages from scammers claiming to have hacked their devices or obtained compromising images or videos. They may:

• Claim to have accessed your webcam or online activity.
• Threaten to expose you unless you pay a ransom.
• Include an old password (often from a past data breach) to make the threat seem real.

In reality, most of these threats are fake. Scammers use publicly available data from past breaches (like Yahoo, eBay, or Target) to scare victims into compliance.

Why Families Should Be Concerned

Sextortion scams are increasingly targeting teens and young adults through social media, gaming platforms, and messaging apps. These criminals often:

• Pose as peers or influencers to gain trust.
• Request photos or video chats, then threaten exposure.
• Use emotional manipulation to silence victims.

Even if no real content exists, the emotional and financial toll can be devastating.

How to Spot a Scam

• Messages that include old passwords or demand secrecy.
• Threats to release private content unless money is paid.
• Unfamiliar contacts asking for photos or video chats.
• Sudden withdrawal or secrecy around online activity.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

For Adults:

Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.

• Keep devices updated and protected with antivirus software.
• Be cautious with webcams and avoid sharing sensitive content.
• Never respond to suspicious messages — report them immediately.

For Parents:

• Talk early and often about online safety and digital boundaries.
• Monitor platforms your children use and encourage privacy settings.
• Reinforce trust so kids feel safe coming to you.
• Report any suspicious messages to the platform and the FBI at https://www.ic3.gov/ or https://report.cybertip.org/.

If You’re Being Pressured…

If someone is threatening you or a loved one to send money, withdraw cash, or wire funds — stop and speak to someone you trust immediately. These scams rely on secrecy and fear. You are not alone, and help is available.

For more tips and tools to stay safe online, visit our Security Center page: Security Center – Directions Credit Union

Together, we can build a safer digital world — one conversation, one precaution, and one report at a time. And remember — if you ever feel unsure or need support, you can always speak with a Directions Credit Union team member. We’re here to help.