Sextortion Scams Are Rising in New Zealand

TL;DR: Netsafe has issued a warning that sextortion scams — blackmail threatening to share intimate images or video unless a payment is made — are rising sharply in New Zealand for a second consecutive January in a row, with money lost also increasing. This is a distressing, fast-moving scam, and the most important thing to know is simple: paying does not make it stop, and help is available.

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Sextortion is a form of blackmail where someone threatens to share intimate images or video of a person unless a payment is made, or in some cases, unless further content is provided. Netsafe's data shows this is a growing pattern in New Zealand, with both the number of reports and the amount of money lost increasing. It can happen through a fabricated threat (no real images exist, but the fear alone is enough to pressure payment) or following a real interaction that was recorded without consent.

The most important thing to understand

Paying does not make it stop. Sextortion scammers very commonly continue demanding money even after an initial payment, because compliance signals the target is willing to pay rather than resolving the situation. Every credible safety organization dealing with this — Netsafe included — is consistent on this point: payment does not guarantee the threat goes away, and often invites further demands.

What to do if this is happening to you right now

Do not pay. It does not reliably stop the threat and often leads to further demands.
Stop all contact with the person making the threat — do not engage further, explain, or negotiate.
Do not delete the messages or evidence — screenshots of the conversation and threats are useful for reporting.
Report it to Netsafe (netsafe.org.nz), who can provide direct, confidential support and guidance specific to your situation.
If content has already been shared, or the person is threatening imminent release, contact Police as well as Netsafe — this is a criminal act, and you are the victim of it, not someone who did something wrong.

If you're a parent or supporting someone through this

The instinct to react with shock or anger can make it harder for a victim, especially a young person, to come forward. Netsafe specifically works with young people and their families on exactly this kind of situation — reaching out to Netsafe together, calmly, is often more effective than trying to handle it entirely alone.

Reducing risk going forward

Be cautious about who you connect with and share content with on platforms where you can't verify the other person's identity.
Review privacy settings on any platform where personal photos or video might be accessible to people outside your trusted contacts. (Unrelated, but also currently active in New Zealand: a surge in fake IRD tax-refund scams.)
Know that reporting immediately, rather than trying to resolve it privately first, generally leads to better outcomes.

If you are dealing with this right now, please reach out to Netsafe (netsafe.org.nz) for direct, confidential support — you don't have to navigate this alone.

FAQs

Does paying a sextortion demand make the threat stop?

No — paying does not reliably stop the threat and very often leads to further demands. Every credible safety organization dealing with this is consistent on this point.

Should I delete the messages from someone threatening me?

No — keep the messages and any evidence. Screenshots of the conversation and threats are useful when reporting to Netsafe or Police, even though the instinct to delete and move on is understandable.

Where can I get help if this is happening to me in New Zealand?

Netsafe (netsafe.org.nz) provides direct, confidential support specific to sextortion situations. If content has already been shared or release is imminent, contact Police as well.

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