(TAMPA, Fla. (June 23, 2026) -- It often starts by sending a private image through text or a social media platform, and then suddenly, it turns into threats of exposure and demand for payment. Such is the rising case that many young men and teenage boys are facing with financial sextortion, one of the fastest-growing forms of online exploitation.
The paper, 'I Don’t Feel Safe at All': Examining Shattered Assumptions Among Male Victims of Sextortion , published recently in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence . Led by University of South Florida Assistant Professor Roberta O’Malley , an expert in online violence, the study found that men and boys are the main targeted group and often experience significant financial and psychological effects as a result.
“Men are suffering deeply from these crimes because they combine financial and sexual harm,” O’Malley said. “Unlike cases involving women and children, which are often about power or humiliation, these are mainly about money. Offenders pressure victims to pay a ransom, while causing a lingering unease to the victim.”
Men are an ideal target for financial sextortion
While anyone can become a victim of financial sextortion, O’Malley’s research shows the scheme preys upon men ages 18 to 30, with teenage boys ages 14 to 17 also frequently affected. This trend is driven by a combination of factors, starting with how men behave online compared to women.
“We see men more willing to engage on dating apps with strangers who initiate contact,” O’Malley said. “As a result, they quickly lower their guard and are willing to take the conversation outside the app, even with an unknown or faceless account. This often leads to them sharing images and other private information.”
The rise of these crimes is also tied to the growth of digital platforms, where dating apps, social media and sexting have become more normalized in forming relationships, the study found. Artificial intelligence is also a key player. Criminals can create AI-generated avatars that resemble realistic figures to trick victims into believing they are engaging with a human.
Financial and psychological effects
For her research, O’Malley analyzed online victim communities and conducted surveys, where 169 male participants shared their experiences with financial sextortion. Victims reported feeling extremely anxious and fearful, often experiencing a profound sense of shock when the person they were interacting with turned out to be a scam artist.
“Many responses showed that victims believed they had more control over their online presence, and this experience challenged that belief,” O’Malley said. “There was also a strong sense of shame and embarrassment, often accompanied by self-blame.”
Men further described a lingering anxiety from not having control over the images and not knowing who has them or if they could resurface in the future, the study found. In a previous study, O’Malley found that nearly 54% reported experiencing some level of suicidal ideation, underscoring how common and severe these emotional responses can be.
Prevention and actionable steps
According to O'Malley, a multi-country study conducted across 10 countries found that approximately 14.5% of adults had experienced sextortion, highlighting the scale of the issue.
Even men who believe they are smart enough to not fall prey, technology is becoming more realistic and deceptive. Still, O’Malley says there are several warning signs:
If someone does fall victim to a financial sextortion scheme, O’Malley urges remaining calm. Most cybercriminals are trying to see how much they can get away with for a payment. She suggests:
“Victims should begin to see themselves as victims rather than blaming themselves, which can help them regain a sense of control,” O’Malley said. “As these crimes become more common, there is growing interest in better understanding them and helping people know what to do if they are affected. Being cautious on dating apps and social media and paying attention to warning signs can help reduce risk.”
About the University of South Florida
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .
Journal of Interpersonal Violence
Survey
People
“I Don’t Feel Safe at All”: Examining Shattered Assumptions Among Male Victims of Sextortion
29-May-2026