Sextortion Scams Become More Threatening in 2025
Rhea-AI Summary
Avast, part of Gen (NASDAQ: GEN), reports a concerning 137% increase in sextortion scam risks across the U.S. in 2025. These scams are becoming more sophisticated through the exploitation of AI technology and data breaches to create highly personalized threats.
Criminals are using AI to generate deepfake images and leveraging Google Maps for targeted attacks. The scammers utilize personal information obtained from the Dark Web to create convincing threats, with over 15,000 unique Bitcoin wallets identified in connection with Google Maps-related scams.
Michal Salat, Threat Intelligence Director for Avast, warns against engaging with these scammers, emphasizing that victims often receive threatening messages claiming access to private content, made more credible by the use of stolen passwords from previous data breaches.
Positive
- Avast's threat intelligence capabilities demonstrate strong market positioning in cybersecurity
- Company shows proactive approach in identifying and tracking cyber threats with specific data (15,000+ Bitcoin wallets)
Negative
- Rising sextortion threats could increase pressure on Avast/Gen's security infrastructure
- Growing sophistication of AI-powered attacks may require additional R&D investment to maintain effective protection
"Sextortion victims frequently receive threatening messages claiming access to their private videos and images. These scams are made even more convincing with the use of stolen passwords from past data breaches, lending an alarming sense of credibility," said Michal Salat, Threat Intelligence Director for Avast. "Fear of exposure, especially when personal details appear accurate, often pressures victims into complying with ransom demands. However, we strongly advise against engaging with these scammers, no matter how real the threats may seem."
New Threatening and Intrusive Tactics
Criminals are refining their tactics, thanks to the help of AI and a wealth of personal data available from recent large-scale breaches. As the sophistication of AI increases, so do the explicit extortion emails, texts and calls from scammers. AI is being used by scammers to create 'deepfake' images, fake explicit photos created by superimposing a victim's face onto another body, coupled with threatening messages to distribute them.
One of the latest techniques used by cybercriminals leverages Google Maps to create a more invasive and personal approach that can really shock and intimidate a victim into complying with their demands.
Criminals – utilizing names, addresses, and emails readily available on the Dark Web due to data breaches – can create very targeted emails to victims containing fabricated footage and unsettling information and images of their real homes. Scammers will also claim to have gained access to victims' devices to extort their victims by threatening to share sexual content or information about them. Cybersecurity experts at Avast have identified over 15,000 unique Bitcoin wallets associated with the Google Maps scams, though the scope of the operation is likely much larger.
Avast experts emphasize the importance of proactive protection against sextortion scams and urge people to never engage with messages that could be from scammers. The following actions help to combat sextortion efforts:
- Do not pay ransom demands or respond to threats.
- Do not engage with these emails, texts or calls or open any associated PDF attachments.
- Always report such crimes to the relevant cybercrime units. In the US victims can reach out to the FBI or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
- Use a reputable password manager to ensure unique passwords for all accounts and prevent reuse.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible to enhance account security.
- Monitor your data for breaches by using dark web monitoring services, through products such as Avast Secure Identity, to be alerted when personal information is exposed so you can act quickly to help protect your accounts.
- Do not panic - stay informed and take action to secure your accounts.
As sextortion scams become more advanced, it is crucial for individuals to remain cautious and take steps to safeguard their digital privacy. Public awareness and vigilance remain critical in combatting these threats.
For more information, visit https://www.avast.com/index#pc.
About Avast
Avast is a leader in digital security and privacy, and part of Gen™ (NASDAQ: GEN), a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom with a family of trusted consumer brands. Avast protects hundreds of millions of users from online threats, for Mobile, PC or Mac, and is top-ranked and certified by VB100, AV-Comparatives, AV-Test, SE Labs and others. Avast is a member of the Coalition Against Stalkerware, No More Ransom and Internet Watch Foundation. Learn more at Avast.com.
Brittney Posey | Courtney Rowles |
Gen | Edelman for Gen |
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SOURCE Gen Digital Inc.
FAQ
How much has the risk of sextortion scams increased in the US during 2025?
What new tactics are scammers using in GEN's reported sextortion schemes?
How many Bitcoin wallets has GEN identified in connection with Google Maps sextortion scams?
What protective measures does GEN recommend against sextortion attempts?
