Extortion & Sextortion Email Scams
Extortion and sextortion email scams surged 59% in 2024 according to FBI IC3, reaching 54,936 complaints with $33.5M in losses. The most common variant uses a real leaked password to appear credible — but the recording claim is always false. FBI confirms: paying only generates more demands.
Documented losses
$33.5M in 2024 (FBI IC3) — 59% surge
Primary sources
•FBI IC3 2024: 54,936 extortion complaints — 59% surge
•FBI IC3 PSA June 2024 — sextortion targeting minors
Documented extortion & sextortion email subjects
Extortion emails use psychological leverage — often including a real leaked password from data breaches to appear credible. FBI IC3 2024: 59% surge in complaints. No recording ever exists. Examples below are documented by the FBI IC3.
Pattern guides
Related extortion & sextortion phone scams
Scammers in this family also operate via phone calls and text messages.
People also search for
Frequently asked questions
What is Extortion & Sextortion?▼
Extortion and sextortion email scams surged 59% in 2024 according to FBI IC3, reaching 54,936 complaints with $33.5M in losses. The most common variant uses a real leaked password to appear credible — but the recording claim is always false. FBI confirms: paying only generates more demands.
How much do extortion & sextortion scams cost?▼
$33.5M in 2024 (FBI IC3) — 59% surge. Sources: FBI IC3 2024: 54,936 extortion complaints — 59% surge; FBI IC3 PSA June 2024 — sextortion targeting minors.
How do I protect myself from extortion & sextortion scams?▼
Never click links in unsolicited emails. Verify any request directly at the official website — type the URL yourself, never follow email links. Report to FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and FBI IC3 at ic3.gov.
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