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Online Sextortion: Protect Yourself from Digital Blackmail

RBL Bank Oct 28, 2025

Online sextortion is an alarming cybercrime rapidly increasing in India, leaving victims emotionally and financially devastated. This scam involves criminals coercing individuals by threatening to share intimate or manipulated images or videos unless a ransom is paid. Recent incidents from Maharashtra and Pimpri-Chinchwad highlight the severe impact of these scams and underscore the urgent need for public awareness and proactive cybersecurity measures.

Recent Incidents Highlight the Gravity of Online Sextortion in India

Several disturbing cases in Maharashtra reveal how cunning and ruthless online sextortion scams have become:

  • Life Saved in Maharashtra: Thanks to the quick action of a vigilant Maharashtra cyber analyst who immediately alerted local police, a potential suicide was prevented. The victim was coerced, but intervention saved a life.
  • Tragic Loss in Pimpri-Chinchwad: In a heartbreaking case, a man was blackmailed for ₹51 lakh after scammers used morphed nude images to threaten him with public circulation. Overwhelmed by the pressure, he tragically took his own life.
  • Call Centre Scam Ring Busted: Police investigations led to the arrest of six individuals, including call centre operators based in Kolkata, who orchestrated such extortion scams, exploiting victims across regions.
  • Elderly Victim Coerced: A 64-year-old man was trapped in a video chat scam, where scammers posing as cyber police forced him to disrobe on camera. They then demanded ₹4.6 lakh to delete the compromising footage. Fortunately, Maharashtra cyber cell’s swift intervention helped the victim report the crime and seek justice.

What Is Online Sextortion?

Online sextortion is a type of cyber extortion where scammers use deception, manipulation, and fear to blackmail individuals. Often, they trick victims into sharing intimate photos or videos during private chats or video calls. Using these real images or sometimes fabricated, morphed photos, they threaten to leak the content publicly or to the victim’s contacts unless a hefty ransom is paid.

How Does the Scam Work?

1. Initial Contact: Scammers befriend victims on social media, dating apps, or chat platforms.

2. Manipulation: They gain the victim’s trust and coax them into sharing explicit photos or videos, sometimes during private video calls.

3. Blackmail: Using the genuine or morphed images, they threaten to expose the victim publicly.

4. Demand for Ransom: Victims are coerced into paying large sums of money, often in cryptocurrency or untraceable modes.

5. Psychological Pressure: Scammers employ intimidation tactics, sometimes impersonating law enforcement, increasing the victim’s fear and helplessness.

Why Are People Vulnerable to Sextortion Scams in India?

  • Lack of Awareness: Many people, especially in smaller towns and rural areas, are unaware of how these scams operate.
  • Social Stigma: Fear of social embarrassment prevents victims from reporting such crimes.
  • Advanced Scamming Techniques: Scammers use sophisticated tools like photo morphing and fake identities.
  • Limited Cybersecurity Infrastructure: Many victims are not equipped with basic cybersecurity knowledge or tools.

How To Protect Yourself from Online Sextortion

  • Be Cautious with Online Interactions: Avoid sharing intimate photos or videos with people you don’t fully trust.
  • Verify Identities: Be wary of strangers online and never trust someone claiming to be an official without verification.
  • Use Privacy Settings: Limit who can see your social media profiles and personal information.
  • Do Not Pay Ransom: Paying does not guarantee the scammer will stop. Instead, report immediately.
  • Report to Authorities: If targeted, contact your local cyber cell or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

What To Do if You Are a Victim

  • Stay Calm: Don’t panic or make impulsive decisions.
  • Save Evidence: Screenshot messages, calls, or videos for investigation.
  • Report the Incident: Approach cybercrime police or use online reporting portals.
  • Seek Support: Reach out to trusted friends, family, or counselling services.

If you have accidentally shared personal or banking information with a fraudulent social media account, take action immediately:

If you are an RBL Bank customer:

You can also report cyber frauds to national authorities:

  • Visit the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: cybercrime.gov.in
  • Call the Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930

Fraudsters sometimes follow up with calls pretending to be from the bank. If you receive such calls:

  • Report them via the DoT Sanchar Saathi portal: sancharsaathi.gov.in
  • Alternatively, call the toll-free helpline: 1800 11 0420 or 1963
National Cybercrime Reporting Portal
sancharsaathi

Conclusion

Online sextortion scams are a serious and distressing threat in India, as recent cases from Maharashtra tragically demonstrate. Raising awareness, staying vigilant, and knowing how to respond can protect individuals from falling prey to these predators.

RBL Bank stands with victims of cybercrime and is committed to spreading awareness through our regular cybersecurity updates and blogs. Remember, awareness is the first step towards your digital safety. Read More.

 

Disclaimer:
Articles published on the website are merely indicative and suggestive in nature and do not amount to solicitation. The contents do not guarantee the desired returns and/or results. Reader is advised to exercise discretion and consult independent advisors for achieving desired result.

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