Sextortion Scams Become More Threatening in 2025

Core Insights - The risk of sextortion scams in the U.S. has increased by 137% in 2025, driven by AI-powered attacks and data breaches [1] - Cybercriminals are utilizing advanced tactics, including AI-generated deepfake images and personal data from breaches, to create more convincing scams [3][5] - Avast emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to combat sextortion, advising individuals to avoid engaging with scammers and to enhance their digital security [6][8] Group 1: Sextortion Scams - Sextortion scams are becoming more prevalent and threatening, with victims receiving messages that claim access to private videos and images [2] - The credibility of these scams is heightened by the use of stolen passwords from previous data breaches [2] - Criminals are leveraging personal data from the Dark Web to craft targeted and invasive emails, often including fabricated footage and unsettling information [5] Group 2: AI and Cybercriminal Tactics - AI is being used to create deepfake images and generate explicit content that can be used for extortion [3] - New tactics include using Google Maps to intimidate victims by providing real-time location data [4] - Avast has identified over 15,000 unique Bitcoin wallets linked to these scams, indicating a potentially larger operation [5] Group 3: Recommendations for Protection - Avast advises against paying ransom demands or responding to threats, emphasizing the need to report such incidents to cybercrime units [8] - Recommendations include using a reputable password manager, enabling multi-factor authentication, and monitoring personal data for breaches [8] - Public awareness and vigilance are critical in combating the growing threat of sextortion scams [6]