Online sexual extortion ("sextortion") is a growing phenomenon in which an offender obtains intimate content of the victim, usually through impersonation on social networks and persuasion to be photographed, and then threatens to distribute the content unless money is paid or additional content is provided.
What is online sexual extortion?
Online sexual extortion ("sextortion") is a growing phenomenon in which an offender obtains intimate content of the victim, usually through impersonation on social networks and persuasion to be photographed, and then threatens to distribute the content unless money is paid or additional content is provided. Legally, this is the offense of extortion by threats under section 428 of the Penal Law, punishable by up to 7 years of imprisonment, and up to 9 years of imprisonment when the extortion achieved its purpose. Alongside it, additional offenses usually occur: sexual harassment, invasion of privacy, and computer offenses.
The first rule: do not pay
Paying the extortionist does not solve the problem but rather intensifies it. The moment the victim pays, it signals to the extortionist that the method works, and the demands will only increase. In most cases, the extortionists operate from foreign countries through fake profiles, but even then it is possible to act: there are technological and legal means to neutralize the extortion, block the content, and stop the contact.
What should be done in practice?
Keep all the evidence: screenshots of the correspondence, the profile details, the details of the account to which payment was requested. Do not delete anything. Cut off contact with the extortionist without confronting them. At the same time, seek legal advice and file a complaint with the police, who have dedicated tools for handling cyber offenses. If the victim is a minor, it is important that the parents know that this is a familiar phenomenon and that there are ways to address it, and there is no place for shame that leads to silence.
Legal representation in online sexual extortion cases
Advocate Israel Arama, formerly of the Tel Aviv District Attorney's Office, assists victims of online sexual extortion in neutralizing the extortion and pursuing justice, and also represents suspects in these offenses. Quick action is critical: contact us for an initial consultation without obligation today.
What is online sexual extortion?
Online sexual extortion ("sextortion") is a growing phenomenon in which an offender obtains intimate content of the victim, usually through impersonation on social networks and persuasion to be photographed, and then threatens to distribute the content unless money is paid or additional content is provided. Legally, this is the offense of extortion by threats under section 428 of the Penal Law, punishable by up to 7 years of imprisonment, and up to 9 years of imprisonment when the extortion achieved its purpose. Alongside it, additional offenses usually occur: sexual harassment, invasion of privacy, and computer offenses.
The first rule: do not pay — what is important to know?
Paying the extortionist does not solve the problem but rather intensifies it. The moment the victim pays, it signals to the extortionist that the method works, and the demands will only increase. In most cases, the extortionists operate from foreign countries through fake profiles, but even then it is possible to act: there are technological and legal means to neutralize the extortion, block the content, and stop the contact.
What should be done in practice?
Keep all the evidence: screenshots of the correspondence, the profile details, the details of the account to which payment was requested. Do not delete anything. Cut off contact with the extortionist without confronting them. At the same time, seek legal advice and file a complaint with the police, who have dedicated tools for handling cyber offenses. If the victim is a minor, it is important that the parents know that this is a familiar phenomenon and that there are ways to address it, and there is no place for shame that leads to silence.
This information is for initial orientation about the service and contact process. It is not individual legal advice.
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