The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has urged the public to adopt stronger online safety practices to protect themselves and their families from sextortion, a growing form of cyber‑enabled abuse.

Sextortion occurs when perpetrators threaten to release intimate images or videos unless victims comply with demands, often for money, more images, or sexual activity. 

According to SLCERT, such crimes can affect adults, teenagers, and children, and frequently begin on social media, messaging apps, dating platforms, or online games. Offenders may pose as romantic interests or peers to gain trust before exploiting victims.

In a statement, SLCERT explained that sextortion typically follows a pattern:

• Initial contact by the perpetrator.
• Trust building through ongoing conversation.
• Obtaining intimate material.
• Threats begin once content is secured.
• Demands continue, escalating pressure on the victim.

SLCERT stressed that victims are not to blame and should treat sextortion as a crime. 

The agency advises preserving evidence before blocking perpetrators, stopping all engagement once threats begin, and seeking help immediately.

To reduce risks, SLCERT recommends several preventive habits:

• Be cautious with public sharing of personal information.
• Avoid trusting strangers online.
• Remember photos aren’t proof of identity.
• Stop conversations that move platforms.
• Think carefully before sharing intimate material.
• Know how to block and report accounts.

With the rise of AI‑generated deepfake images, SLCERT warns that perpetrators may also fabricate explicit content to intimidate victims.

SLCERT added that vigilance, awareness, and timely reporting are key to combating sextortion. (Newswire)

The post Could you fall victim to sextortion? SLCERT shares ways to stay safe appeared first on Newswire.

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has warned that extortion scams carried out through Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp are once again on the rise, with several victims lodging complaints in recent weeks.

Preliminary information suggests that fraudsters operating from India may be behind the activities, though suspicions have also emerged of Sri Lankan involvement, as victims are now being directed to transfer money into local personal bank accounts.

According to SLCERT, the scam typically begins with a simple “Hi” message from what appears to be a young woman’s Instagram account. After building trust over several days, scammers send provocative images and invite victims to continue conversations via WhatsApp video calls. Victims are then encouraged to appear naked or engage in suggestive exchanges, after which screenshots are taken and shared with relatives or friends to exert pressure.

Victims are initially forced to pay Rs. 5,000–10,000 to prevent exposure, but demands quickly escalate to hundreds of thousands of rupees. In April alone, Sri Lanka CERT recorded multiple cases where payments were directed to Indian accounts, though recent complaints indicate money is being funneled into Sri Lankan accounts as well.

The scam has become particularly manipulative, with perpetrators adding victims’ siblings and relatives to their social media friend lists beforehand to maximize pressure. Many victims only sought help from SLCERT after repeated payments became financially overwhelming.

SLCERT urges the public to remain vigilant when using Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, or Telegram, stressing to verify identities before engaging in private conversations, avoid sharing intimate images or participating in compromising video calls, and seek immediate assistance from Sri Lanka CERT or the Police if targeted.

SLCERT has emphasized that the scam is not only financially devastating but also emotionally damaging, as victims often discover exposure through family members contacted by the fraudsters. (Newswire)

The post SLCERT warns of rise in sextortion scams targeting social media users appeared first on Newswire.