Not all scams start with a suspicious email or a too-good-to-be-true offer. Some start with a threat.
Extortion scams occur when criminals use fear, embarrassment, or intimidation to pressure people into sending money or sharing personal information. These scams can involve threats to release private information, claims that an account or device has been hacked, fake legal consequences, or even romance scams that escalate into blackmail. Regardless of the story, the goal is the same: make you panic and act before you have time to think.
Know the Warning Signs
Extortion scams are designed to create a sense of urgency. You may receive a message claiming something terrible will happen unless you act immediately. Scammers often use threats, fear, and intimidation to make their demands seem legitimate. They may insist that you pay through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or other difficult-to-trace methods. Another common tactic is secrecy. If someone tells you not to contact your bank, not to tell your family, or to keep the situation confidential, consider it a major red flag.
What You Should Do
If you receive a threatening message, pause before reacting. Scammers rely on emotional responses and split-second decisions. Take a moment to verify the situation using contact information from a trusted source, not the information provided in the message. Never share passwords, security codes, online banking credentials, or other sensitive information. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and talk to someone you trust or contact your financial institution for guidance.
If You’re Being Targeted
If you think you’re the target of an extortion scam, stop communicating with the scammer and do not send money. Save any emails, text messages, screenshots, or voicemails related to the incident. If your financial information may have been compromised, contact your bank immediately so protective measures can be taken. Additionally, reporting fraud helps law enforcement identify trends and protect others from becoming victims. You can report scams to the Federal Trade Commission through ReportFraud.gov and to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center through IC3.gov. If the threat involves your personal safety, contact local law enforcement right away.
