An attractive stranger requests a video call. Unknown to you they record everything. Then demands for money begin and paying only makes it worse. Sextortion affects thousands of Indians every year. Here is exactly what to do if this happens to you.
What Is This Scam?
Scammers create fake attractive profiles on social media or dating apps. They initiate video calls with victims and record the call. Victims are then blackmailed with the threat of sharing the recording with all their contacts unless they pay.
How It Works
- 1Scammer connects with victim on Instagram or a dating app using an attractive fake profile.
- 2Builds trust over days or weeks through consistent messaging.
- 3Initiates a video call and manipulates victim into compromising situations while recording.
- 4Reveals they have recorded the call and threatens to send it to all the victim's contacts.
- 5Demands money via UPI — payment leads to further demands, never resolution.
⚠ Red Flags to Watch For
- Profile looks too perfect with model-quality photos and few personal posts
- Very quick to move to video calls or intimate conversations
- Met you on a platform you did not sign up to be on
- Escalates intimacy unusually fast
- Pressure to act quickly and keep the conversation secret
What to Do If You Are Targeted
Do not pay anything — payment never stops demands and only confirms you will pay more. Block the person on all platforms immediately. Do not delete conversations as they are evidence. Report to cybercrime.gov.in. Call iCall at 9152987821 for emotional support. You are the victim, not the criminal — the police handle these cases confidentially.
✅ Stay Safe Checklist
- Never share intimate content in video calls with strangers
- Set social media profiles to private so your contacts list is not visible
- If blackmailed, report immediately — do not pay
- Your contacts will be understanding — do not let shame prevent reporting
- Cyber cells handle these cases with full confidentiality