The Revenge Porn Helpline has collaborated with the National Crime Agency (NCA) to publish guidance for professionals working in higher education settings on financially motivated sexual extortion (FMSE), a type of online blackmail often referred to as ‘sextortion’.
The guidance includes a poster, for display across higher education settings, helping students to know how to respond and report FMSE, should they be targeted.
What is financially motivated sexual extortion?
Financially motivated sexual extortion is a form of online blackmail where an offender threatens to share nude or semi-nude images and/or videos of a person unless they pay them money or meet another financial demand (for example purchasing a pre-paid gift card).
Offenders are often operating outside the UK, and can target anyone regardless of age, gender, or background.
Why is this important for further education settings?
Cases of financially motivated sexual extortion have risen sharply in recent years. In 2024 research by the Revenge Porn Helpline identified 64% of victims were between the ages of 18 and 34. Whilst offenders can target anyone, young adults starting at university or other further education settings may have increased factors of vulnerability that offenders seek to exploit; such as access to student loans or bursaries and increased isolation or loneliness.
Encouraging victims to seek help
Fear and shame are often barriers that prevent victims of financially motivated sexual extortion from seeking help or reporting. This vital guidance gives knowledge and tools to further education professionals on the threat, enabling them to better reassure victims that they are not alone or at fault and that there is help available.
Download the further education guidance and poster here.
Further advice
If you are under 18 , you can access advice and guidance about financially motivated sexual extortion through the UK Safer Internet Centre.
If you are over 18, you can find confidential support and practical help through the Revenge Porn Helpline.
