Sextortion Scams Surging in UK, Men in 20s Most at Risk
Sextortion Scams Surging in UK, Men in 20s Most at Risk
Nationwide warns sextortion scams are rising across ages—from teens to 70s—with men in their 20s particularly at risk.
A new wave of sextortion scams is being felt across the UK, with authorities warning that no age group is truly safe. Nationwide has highlighted that victims range from teenagers to people in their 70s, underscoring how wide the net can be for online blackmail. The warning also notes a worrying trend: men in their 20s appear to be disproportionately at risk.
In these schemes, scammers use online blackmail to threaten exposure of alleged explicit material or private information unless a payment is made. Victims may be contacted via social media, messaging apps, or dating platforms, often after a period of invasive questioning or pressure to reveal sensitive content. Some cases involve compromised accounts, where fraudsters exploit usernames, photos, or chat histories to fabricate claims, heightening the sense of danger and urgency.
The broad age range and the inclusion of a 13-year-old among reported victims show how vulnerable online spaces can be for people at different life stages. The loss isn’t only financial; the emotional toll can be severe, inducing anxiety, social withdrawal, and fear of reputational damage.
Authorities stress practical steps to reduce risk: never pay a blackmailer, as it can encourage further coercion; preserve all messages and screenshots as evidence; report the incident to local police and the platform involved; run a full account security check—change passwords, review connected apps, and enable two-factor authentication. It’s also advised to contact your bank or payment provider if any financial information was shared or compromised.
Public safety campaigns urge users to be cautious about what is shared online, verify unusual requests through official channels, and educate others about the signs of sextortion. If targeted, reaching out to trusted friends or family for support while reporting the incident can help mitigate harm. In London and across the country, continued collaboration between law enforcement, consumer groups, and service providers aims to disrupt these schemes and protect vulnerable users.
