Sextortion Text Message Scam

In today’s digital world, scams evolve as quickly as technology itself. One of the most alarming fraud schemes spreading across South Carolina is sextortion by text message. These scams prey on fear, shame, and intimidation, often leaving victims feeling isolated and unsure of where to turn for help. 

At Joe Cunningham Law, we understand how devastating sextortion can be, not only financially but also emotionally. As the only former congressman in South Carolina currently practicing law, Joe Cunningham brings a strong record of public service and personal advocacy into the courtroom.

Our Charleston sextortion text message scam attorney stands ready to fight for individuals and families affected by these heinous activities. If you or someone you love has been targeted, you do not have to face the intimidation alone. Our firm is here to listen, guide, and stand up for you when you need it most.

What Is a Sextortion Text Message Scam?

A sextortion text message scam is a form of digital blackmail. The scammer contacts a victim by text or online messaging, claiming to have private or intimate photos, videos, or messages. The scammer then threatens to release the alleged material to friends, family, employers, or the public unless the victim complies with demands.

In most cases, the threats are false, as these scammers rarely possess the material they claim to have. If they have the stated materials, it may be a deep-fake image generated using AI. However, because the text messages feel personal and invasive, many victims feel pressured to comply. Victims may be instructed to send money through cryptocurrency, gift cards, or payment apps, or to send additional compromising images or videos.

Unfortunately, such scams rely on emotional manipulation. They target the victim’s fear of exposure, humiliation, or harm to reputation. For minors, sextortion can be even more traumatic, often involving predators who coerce children into producing explicit content under false pretenses.

How Sextortion Text Scams Typically Work

While sextortion text scams vary in detail, most follow a recognizable pattern:

• Initial Contact: The scammer reaches out through a text message, often from an unfamiliar number or spoofed contact. Some messages appear automated, while others are highly personalized.
• False Claims: The scammer asserts that they have compromising images or videos of the victim, sometimes claiming to have hacked the victim’s phone or social media accounts.
• Threats: The scammer threatens to release the alleged material to the victim’s employer, friends, family, or social networks unless demands are met.
• Demands: These often include sending money, purchasing gift cards, transferring cryptocurrency, or providing additional photos or videos.
• Escalation: If the victim responds, scammers frequently escalate demands, using fear and urgency to pressure compliance.

For victims, even a single text can cause enormous stress, leading to sleepless nights, anxiety, and uncertainty about what to do next.

Common Types of Sextortion Text Scams Today

Technology and social media have created many avenues for scammers to exploit. Below are some of the most common sextortion text schemes affecting victims in Charleston and across the country.

Hacked Account Claims

Scammers claim they have hacked the victim’s phone or computer, recording intimate activity through the camera or accessing private files. They threaten to leak this material unless payment is made.

Fake Relationship Scams

Predators often build trust online by posing as a romantic interest. Once the victim shares private messages or images, the scammer shifts to blackmail, threatening exposure unless the victim complies.

Random Threat Texts

Some scams involve mass text messages sent to random phone numbers. These messages may accuse the recipient of infidelity or threaten to expose sexual behavior without any proof. Despite their impersonal nature, they create fear and uncertainty.

Impersonation Scams

Scammers sometimes impersonate law enforcement, claiming that the victim has committed a crime and can avoid prosecution by paying money or providing personal information. This is especially dangerous when minors are targeted.

Minor Sextortion Scams

Predators increasingly target children and teenagers. Using apps, games, or fake profiles, they trick minors into sharing explicit photos. Once obtained, predators threaten to distribute the content unless the child provides more material or money. Families are often blindsided when these scams come to light.

The Impact of Sextortion on Victims

The harm caused by sextortion extends beyond financial loss. Victims often experience deep emotional and psychological trauma.

• Fear and Anxiety: Constant worry about exposure and reputational harm.
• Shame: Many victims blame themselves, even though they are not at fault.
• Financial Strain: Compliance with demands can quickly drain savings.
• Family Stress: When minors are targeted, families must deal with both the emotional fallout and the legal consequences.

For teenagers, sextortion can be life-altering. The pressure, humiliation, and fear of exposure can lead to depression, withdrawal from school or social activities, and in tragic cases, self-harm.

Legal Options for Sextortion Victims in Charleston, SC

Sextortion is not just a scam—it is a crime. Victims have legal rights and options, whether the perpetrator is an anonymous cybercriminal or someone known personally. A skilled sextortion text scam attorney in Charleston, SC can help victims take action in several ways.

Reporting to Law Enforcement

Sextortion often involves violations of state and federal criminal laws, including blackmail, extortion, computer crimes, and exploitation of minors. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, investigate sextortion cases. Reporting the crime creates a record and may prevent further harm.

Filing a Civil Lawsuit

Victims may have grounds to file a lawsuit against the perpetrator if their identity can be discovered. Civil claims may include invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and financial damages.

Working With Internet and Phone Providers

Our sextortion attorneys can assist in sending takedown requests to social media companies, internet platforms, or phone carriers. This can help prevent the spread of harmful content and cut off a scammer’s ability to contact the victim.

Protecting Minors

For parents, legal action may involve working with law enforcement, schools, and child protection services to safeguard children from predators. Families can also pursue claims against responsible parties if platforms failed to protect young users.

How Joe Cunningham Law Can Help

At Joe Cunningham Law, we know how to fight back against scammers and powerful institutions. Joe Cunningham’s background as a Congressman taught him the importance of accessibility and advocacy, values that carry into his legal practice today.

When you work with our team, we can:

• Investigate the source of sextortion threats and coordinate with authorities
• File motions to preserve privacy and prevent harmful information from spreading
• Represent victims and families in civil lawsuits seeking justice and compensation
• Stand up to predators who target minors and hold them accountable

Our Charleston text scam sextortion lawyers provide free consultations and contingency fee representation, meaning you owe nothing unless we recover damages on your behalf.

Protecting Minors from Sextortion Text Message Scams

Sextortion scams involving minors are a growing crisis. Parents must understand that children are particularly vulnerable to predators who exploit curiosity, trust, and fear.

When a minor is targeted, consider the following advice before the situation escalates:

• Save All Communications: Do not ignore the messages. Save all communications as evidence.
• Contact Law Enforcement: Contact local authorities and file a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). 
• Hire Legal Representation: A Charleston sextortion text message attorney can help families pursue protective orders, coordinate with investigators, and bring civil claims.
• Seek Emotional Support: Minors need counseling and reassurance that they are not to blame.

Families should also know that sextortion of minors is treated as child exploitation under federal law, with severe penalties for perpetrators.

Preventing Sextortion Scam Messages

While no prevention method is foolproof, awareness is key. Some steps that can reduce risk include:

• Being cautious about sharing images or personal information online
• Educating minors about online safety and the tactics predators use
• Adjusting privacy settings on social media accounts
• Recognizing that unsolicited text threats are likely scams and should not be engaged with

Most importantly, victims should know that falling prey to a sextortion scam is not their fault. The blame lies entirely with the perpetrators.

Why Choose Joe Cunningham Law for These Kinds of Cases?

When facing sextortion, victims need more than legal knowledge; they need someone who understands the fear, confusion, and shame that accompany these scams. Joe Cunningham Law combines courtroom strength with a people-first approach.

• Unique Perspective: Joe Cunningham is the only former congressperson in South Carolina practicing law today, bringing advocacy and public service into private practice.
• Insider Knowledge: Our team understands how insurance companies, corporations, and defense attorneys work, giving us an edge in negotiations and litigation.
• Compassionate Advocacy: We listen, we fight, and we stand beside you every step of the way.
• Free Consultations: We believe everyone deserves access to legal help, which is why we offer consultations at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sextortion Text Message Scams

Is sextortion really a crime if the scammer doesn’t have any images?

Yes. Sextortion is considered a crime even when the scammer is lying about having material. Under both South Carolina and federal law, threatening to expose, embarrass, or harm someone in order to obtain money, images, or favors is classified as extortion or blackmail. The act of making the threat itself is illegal, regardless of whether the scammer actually possesses compromising content. You still have the right to involve law enforcement, and you can pursue civil remedies through the courts.

An experienced sextortion message lawyer in Charleston can help you understand which laws apply to your case and take steps to hold the perpetrator accountable.

What should I do if I get a sextortion text message?

The most important step is not to panic. Do not pay money or comply with the demands, because once scammers see you are willing to respond, they typically escalate their threats or come back for more. Save every message, screenshot the texts, and preserve any related communication as evidence. Blocking the number may stop immediate contact, but it is equally important to report the scam to authorities so that investigators can track patterns and, in some cases, identify perpetrators.

Finally, reach out to a sextortion scam lawyer in Charleston who can explain your legal rights, work with law enforcement, and take steps to protect your reputation and peace of mind.

Can sextortion be prosecuted if the scammer is overseas?

Yes, but these cases are more complicated. Many sextortion scams originate outside of the United States, and that can make it harder to track down the individual perpetrator. However, U.S. federal authorities, including the FBI and Homeland Security, have task forces dedicated to investigating cybercrimes that cross international borders. These agencies often work with Interpol and foreign governments to pursue criminals abroad.

Even if prosecution of the scammer proves difficult, our sextortion message lawyers can help you explore other protective measures, such as working with service providers to shut down accounts, sending cease-and-desist notices, and preventing any alleged content from being spread online.

Will people find out if I file a sextortion lawsuit?

Not necessarily. Courts recognize the sensitive and personal nature of sextortion cases, and attorneys can file motions requesting that victims remain anonymous during legal proceedings. This means your identity may be protected through the use of initials or pseudonyms in court documents, thereby limiting public exposure. In addition, our sextortion message lawyers in Charleston can take proactive steps to ensure that communications with the court, law enforcement, and internet platforms remain as private as possible.

While complete anonymity cannot always be guaranteed, there are substantial legal protections available to minimize the risk of embarrassment and help you move forward without fear of widespread publicity.

Contact an Experienced Charleston Sextortion Text Message Scam Lawyer Near You

Sextortion text message scams thrive on silence, fear, and shame. But victims are not alone. With the proper legal guidance, you can push back, protect your reputation, and hold scammers accountable. Joe Cunningham Law is here to help. To schedule your free consultation with a dedicated Charleston sextortion text message scam lawyer, contact our law firm online. You can also call us at (843) 633-3360.