They have explicit content of you from a Skype video scam call. But you’re not alone. Every day, countless people fall victim to video scam recording scams. In fact, the FBI received over 54,000 sextortion reports in 2024 alone, a 30% increase from the previous year. It’s a rapidly growing threat, especially among young people.
So, what can you do about it?
Help! A Scammer is Threatening to Post Video of Me
If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic. All is not lost. You can fight back and take steps to stop the release of sensitive content. That’s where Digital Forensics Corp. comes in.
One of our prime areas of expertise is uncovering the criminals behind video recording scams. Using advanced tools like location tracking and social media analysis, our cyber experts can pinpoint their exact location and even uncover their true identity. This information can be powerful leverage to shut down the harassment and end the threats.
If you are caught in a scam saying they have a video of you, don’t face it alone. Reach out for help. We’re here to stand with you. We’ll protect your digital reputation and prevent your private content from being exposed.
Caught in a Video Call Scam? It Can Happen to Anyone
Sextortion is a fast-growing cybercrime. It doesn’t discriminate, though young adults are especially at risk. According to the 2025 Digital Forensics Corp. Sextortion Study, nearly 60% of cases involved individuals under 40. The youngest adults remain the most frequent targets, lured in through social media, dating apps, or seemingly innocent video scam calls.
They may threaten to post your content on a video sharing platform like Youtube. To avoid restrictive policies, they may choose an adult website or even create their own domain to house your intimate media.
But here’s the good news: You can fight back. What you do in the hours and days following a sextortion attempt can make all the difference in protecting your privacy and preventing the release of your content. Taking the right steps quickly is key to regaining control.
What to Do if a Scammer Has Video
If a scammer is threatening to post pictures of you, time is critical. Acting quickly and strategically can help you prevent exposure and take back control.
Here’s what to do – and what to avoid:
- Don’t pay: It might seem like the fastest way to stop the threat, but paying only fuels the scam. It rarely ends the harassment and often leads to higher demands and more pressure.
- Don’t block: While blocking the scammer might feel like the right move, it can backfire. Many scammers retaliate by posting or sending the content when communication is cut off.
- Don’t engage: Avoid arguing, pleading, or reacting emotionally. Any response can escalate the situation and encourage further manipulation.
- Do stall for time: Tell the scammer you need more time – you’re waiting on your paycheck. This can buy you valuable time to act.
- Get professional help: As soon as you can, reach out to an expert like Digital Forensics Corp. Our team specializes in identifying scammers, stopping sextortion attempts, and protecting your digital reputation.
You don’t have to face this alone. Help is available, and the right response can make all the difference.
Gather Evidence and Report the Sextortion
Start by collecting proof of the scam. Take clear screenshots of the scammer’s username, profile photo, and all threatening messages. You don’t need to save any explicit images or videos. The focus should be on documenting the sextortion and communication itself.
Once you’ve gathered your evidence, report the scammer to the platform where the interaction took place. Use the platform’s built-in reporting tools and attach the screenshots. This allows moderators to investigate and potentially suspend the scammer’s account, helping to prevent others from falling victim to similar video call scams.
Next, report the video scam call scammer to law enforcement. Contact your local police and file a report. You should also report sextortion to the FBI through the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), their official portal for handling cybercrime. Your report creates a paper trail and can be vital in tracking down and prosecuting the scammer.
Taking these steps not only protects you, but also helps authorities fight back against the growing threat of online sextortion.
How to Spot Sextortion Red Flags
One of the best ways to protect yourself from sextortion is to recognize the warning signs before things escalate. Being aware of these red flags can help you spot a potential scam early and avoid becoming a target.
Here are some common signs to watch for:
- Sudden romantic or sexual interest from a stranger online, especially on social media or dating platforms.
- Requests to move the conversation to a private platform like WhatsApp.
- Rapid escalation to sharing intimate content, often initiated by the scammer first to build trust.
- Pressure to reciprocate with nude or explicit images or videos.
- Poor grammar or inconsistent personal details which may indicate a fake identity.
How to Protect Yourself Online
Protecting yourself from future sextortion attempts starts with practicing smart, proactive online safety. Staying vigilant and following cybersecurity best practices can significantly reduce your risk.
Here’s what you should do:
- Tighten your privacy settings on all social media platforms to limit what strangers can see about you.
- Be cautious of unknown contacts, especially those who reach out unexpectedly or seem overly flirtatious early on.
- Use strong, unique passwords for every account. A secure password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts to add an extra layer of protection.
- Regularly review your account activity for any suspicious login attempts or unusual behavior that may signal a hacked device.
- Never send intimate content. Once it’s online, it’s out of your control.
Practicing these habits consistently can help safeguard your digital identity and prevent you from becoming a target.
Contact Digital Forensics Corp. for Help
At Digital Forensics Corp., our cyber engineers use advanced techniques — including IP tracing, device fingerprinting, and social media analysis — to track down the scammer’s exact location. In many cases, we can identify the individual behind the screen using personal data, right down to the device model and serial number they used to carry out the scam. This critical information becomes powerful leverage to stop the threats and put an end to the harassment.
But we don’t stop there. Once the immediate danger has been neutralized, we continue to support you. Our team monitors your online presence, provides expert guidance on strengthening your digital security, and helps you take proactive steps to prevent future incidents. Our mission is to help you regain control, restore peace of mind, and reduce the risk of retaliation from the sextortionist.
If you’re facing sextortion, don’t wait. Contact Digital Forensics Corp. today. Let us help you fight back, protect your reputation, and take back your digital life.
