Recognize an FTC Impersonator

Sextortion — when someone threatens to share your intimate images unless you pay — can be stressful and upsetting. And figuring out what to do can be overwhelming. While searching for help, you might find companies that offer quick fixes (for a price) but don’t deliver on their promises. One example, according to the lawsuit filed by the FTC, is Digital Forensics, a company behind websites like BlackmailHelpline.com, DigitalForensics.com, CyberBlackmail911.com, and SecurityBreach911.com.

Did someone share an explicit image of your child online? Possessing or sharing explicit images of children can be a serious crime — and that includes AI-generated deepfakes. Report the perpetrator immediately to criminal law enforcement and take action to get online platforms to remove the images as quickly as possible.

Kids face a lot of challenges online: from cyberbullying and scams to digitally altered deepfakes, like nudify apps that create fake nude photos and videos of real people. Even if you’ve had conversations with your child about online safety and sensitive topics like deepfakes, you probably know parents who are concerned about these topics, too. If so, consider using the FTC resources below to help you learn more and share with fellow parents.