AI is supercharging sextortion scams on dating apps, targeting minors with fake profiles and bots. The FBI warns these criminals trick kids into sending explicit images, then demand cash or threaten to share the content with family or post it online.
Sextortion scams rely on victims believing they’re talking to peers or potential partners. Once explicit photos are sent, blackmail kicks in—sometimes escalating to threats of violence. Teens fall prey due to naivety, leading to mental health struggles.
AI makes it easier for scammers to generate flawless profiles and automate conversations, making bots harder to spot. Repetitive chats and “too-perfect” photos are red flags. 
Jim Winters, head of economic crime at Nationwide, told the BBC:
Blackmail is one of the hardest things to face, and it’s happening more often.
It’s not easy, but if something doesn’t feel right, speak up.
It might be tempting in the moment to share information or photos,
but once shared, you will never have control over it again.
Parents and teens must learn to identify fake AI-driven profiles and keep communication open to avoid falling victim.
For more, see the FBI on sextortion risks.
