Extortion isn’t just something that happens in crime movies. It’s happening right now across Australia and online, through email, on social media, and even by phone. Many people don’t even realise they’re being extorted until it’s too late. So, how can you tell if it’s happening to you?

This guide breaks it all down in a way that’s simple, practical, and based on real threats Australians are facing in 2025.

What Is Extortion?

Extortion is when someone tries to threaten, manipulate, or pressure you into giving them money, services, or personal information and often using fear, online blackmail, or intimidation.

It doesn’t always look like a movie-style ransom note. It can be:

In legal terms, under Australian law, extortion includes any threat made to gain benefit or cause loss, and it is a criminal offence in every state and territory.

Common Types of Extortion Scams in Australia

Extortion has evolved with technology. Here are the most common forms Australians are seeing in 2024–2025:

1. Sextortion

This is a type of blackmail where scammers claim they have sexual images or videos of you and demand money or cryptocurrency to stop them from sharing it.

Sometimes:

Fact: According to the eSafety Commissioner, sextortion cases in Australia tripled between 2022 and 2024, with teenagers and men under 30 being the most targeted.

2. Ransomware Attacks

This type of cyber extortion involves cybercriminals locking or stealing your digital files and then demanding a ransom to release them. These attacks target both individuals and businesses.

In Australia, ransomware has become one of the top threats to small businesses. The ACSC (Australian Cyber Security Centre) reported a 20% increase in ransomware incidents in 2024, many involving extortion-style threats to leak data publicly.

3. Impersonation and Reputation Threats

Scammers threaten to ruin your reputation by claiming they will:

They may even impersonate law enforcement, immigration officers, or the ATO.

4. Business Email Compromise (BEC)

This scam targets businesses, where scammers gain access to a company email account and demand payment by pretending to be a senior executive.

In 2024, Australian businesses lost over $80 million to BEC scams, many of which involved extortion after a fake invoice wasn’t paid.

5. “Hitman” Scams

These are rare but terrifying. You receive an email from someone claiming to be a hitman or criminal threatening to hurt you unless you send money.

They often use dramatic language like:

“I’ve been hired to kill you. Pay $3,000 and I’ll spare your life.”

Most of these are completely fake scare tactics aimed at triggering panic.

How to Know You’re Being Extorted

Sometimes it’s obvious. Other times, the scam is subtle and sneaky. Here’s how you can tell:

You’re being threatened

Any message or call where someone threatens to:

They demand money or favours

Scammers often ask for:

Legitimate authorities or companies will never ask you for payment in these ways.

There’s a strong sense of fear or urgency

They want you to act fast, before you can think clearly or talk to someone. If the message says “you have 24 hours” or “don’t tell anyone,” it’s almost always a scam.

It feels personal

They might include:

That doesn’t mean they have access to your accounts, and it just means they’re using publicly available data to scare you.

What To Do If You’re Being Extorted

First and foremost: Don’t panic. You have options.

1. Do NOT pay

Paying extortionists rarely ends the problem in fact, it often makes things worse. Once they know you’re willing to pay, they may come back for more.

2. Cut off all communication

Block their number, email address, or profile. Don’t respond, even to threaten back or call them out. They want a reaction. Don’t give it.

3. Save all evidence

Take screenshots, save emails, and record messages. This will help when reporting the incident. If you’re dealing with online sextortion, don’t delete any of the conversations.

4. Report it immediately

Depending on the type of extortion, report it to:

You can also contact:

5. Tell someone you trust

Don’t deal with it alone. Speak to a friend, family member, colleague, or therapist. Extortion relies on isolation and shame, and breaking that silence is your power.

How to Prevent Extortion Scams

Being targeted isn’t your fault, but there are smart steps you can take to protect yourself moving forward:

Strengthen your digital security:

Limit what you share online:

Be wary of unusual messages:

Common Questions

Is it really extortion if no money changes hands?

Yes. If someone threatens you to gain an advantage, even if they don’t succeed, it’s still extortion under Australian law.

What if the threat involves real personal information?

Scammers often use data from breaches, like old passwords or hacked social accounts. That doesn’t mean they have full access to you, it’s often bluffing. But still, take action immediately and change your passwords.

Can I go to jail for responding or paying?

No, you are the victim, not the criminal. But if you’re unsure about what was shared or if something illegal occurred, seek legal advice or contact CypherGuard for confidential support.

You’re Not Alone

Extortion is scary, but it’s also survivable. Scammers rely on your silence and fear, but when you know what to look for and how to act, you take back the power.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any kind of digital threat, CypherGuard is here to help. Our cyber intelligence team will assess the risk, investigate the source, and support you in locking down your digital life. No shame, no blame, just help when you need it most.

Need help or advice right now?
📩 Contact CypherGuard for confidential support.
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