Sextortion Awareness: Stop & Get Help

Press Release from the Thomas County Sheriff's Office

If you or someone you know is a victim of sextortion, you are not alone, and it is NOT your fault. Sextortion is a form of exploitation that can affect both minors and adults. The Thomas County Sheriff’s Office wants you to know that help is available.

If you are being threatened or blackmailed:

• Stop paying. Sending money often leads to demands for more.

• Stop communicating with the person threatening you.

• Save the evidence. Screenshot messages and preserve communications.

• Secure your accounts by changing passwords and updating privacy settings.

• Report it to law enforcement and the CyberTipline at https://report.cybertip.org.

• Reach out for help. Talk to a trusted adult, family member, friend, or counselor.

Be cautious of anyone who offers to investigate your case for a fee. These services may be scams or an extension of the original scam.

Free, trusted resources are available, including the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Thorn, the FBI, and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.

The Thomas County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone experiencing sextortion to seek help and report the crime. You do not have to face this alone.

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