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Sextortion: extortion by e-mail

In sextortion, offenders claim by e-mail to have filmed you via your webcam and demand payment in cryptocurrency. As a rule this is a mass bluff with no real material.

Updated: 2026-06-19

Immediate steps

1. 1Do not pay and do not reply — any reaction only confirms the address is active.
2. 2Preserve the e-mail including headers as evidence (screenshot, keep the original).
3. 3If it quotes a real password of yours: it usually comes from an old data leak — run a leak check and change affected passwords.
4. 4Secure important accounts with two-factor authentication.
5. 5Report the mail; for a concrete threat or if minors are involved, file a police report.

What not to do

• Never pay — payment only leads to further demands.
• Do not open links or attachments in the mail.
• Do not act in panic — the threat scenario is part of the scheme.

Common questions

The mail quotes my real password — is that dangerous?

It usually comes from an old data leak, not a hack of your device. Change the password everywhere it is still used and enable 2FA.

Do the offenders really have footage?

In the vast majority of cases, no — these are mass mails with no real material.

Should I file a report?

Yes, especially for a concrete threat or if minors are involved. Preserve the evidence first.

Sources

• Verbraucherzentrale — phishing radar
• BSI for consumers