Scam Radar

How can you recognize FBI warns sexual exploitation actors steal explicit content via social engineering and account takeover?

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TLDR

The FBI is alerting the public that sexual exploitation actors are targeting adult and underage victims by illegally accessing social media and personal accounts to steal and distribute explicit images (non consensual intimate images, or...

How it works

The FBI is alerting the public that sexual exploitation actors are targeting adult and underage victims by illegally accessing social media and personal accounts to steal and distribute explicit images (non consensual intimate images, or...

Red flags

  • Unexpected text claiming your social media account will be locked unless you share a verification or reset code Emails from a "support" address on a look alike domain prompting you to click a link to "confirm a new login" Password reset codes or temporary PINs you never requested appearing in your inbox or SMS What to do Enable unique passphrases plus multi factor authentication on every social media and cloud account Never share verification codes, even with someone claiming to be from a platform's support te

What to do

  1. 1The FBI is alerting the public that sexual exploitation actors are targeting adult and underage victims by illegally accessing social media and personal accounts to steal and distribute explicit images (non consensual intimate images, or NCII).
  2. 2Red flags Unexpected text claiming your social media account will be locked unless you share a verification or reset code Emails from a "support" address on a look alike domain prompting you to click a link to "confirm a new login" Password reset codes or temporary PINs you never requested appearing in your inbox or SMS What to do Enable unique passphrases plus multi factor authentication on every social media and cloud account Never share verification codes, even with someone claiming to be from a platform's support te

Source

fbi-ic3

Source reviewed by Mythos Forensic Team

https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2026/PSA260810

FAQ

Is FBI warns sexual exploitation actors steal explicit content via social engineering and account takeover a real scam pattern?

Yes. Treat the message, call, or payment request as suspicious until you verify it through an official channel.

What are the first warning signs?

Unexpected text claiming your social media account will be locked unless you share a verification or reset code Emails from a "support" address on a look alike domain prompting you to click a link to "confirm a new login" Password reset codes or temporary PINs you never requested appearing in your inbox or SMS What to do Enable unique passphrases plus multi factor authentication on every social media and cloud account Never share verification codes, even with someone claiming to be from a platform's support te

What should I do first?

The FBI is alerting the public that sexual exploitation actors are targeting adult and underage victims by illegally accessing social media and personal accounts to steal and distribute explicit images (non consensual intimate images, or NCII).; Red flags Unexpected text claiming your social media account will be locked unless you share a verification or reset code Emails from a "support" address on a look alike domain prompting you to click a link to "confirm a new login" Password reset codes or temporary PINs you never requested appearing in your inbox or SMS What to do Enable unique passphrases plus multi factor authentication on every social media and cloud account Never share verification codes, even with someone claiming to be from a platform's support te

Can LegalAudit check my case?

Yes. Start a free chat and paste the message, link, sender, or payment details for triage.