The FBI has warned that cybercriminals are targeting social-media and other online accounts to steal private images and videos. Attackers may use the stolen material for blackmail, harassment or online sextortion, and they may share victims’ personal information with other criminals.
Stolen content can lead to repeated abuse
According to the FBI, attackers target both adults and children. After accessing an account, they may steal private content and personal details, including names, email addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth and social-media usernames.
Criminals can then sell the stolen material through underground marketplaces or use it directly to pressure victims. In online account sextortion schemes, offenders threaten to publish private content or send it to friends, family members or colleagues unless the victim meets their demands.
The FBI warned that victims can face further harassment, stalking and targeted attacks after the initial account compromise. In some cases, criminals even use a victim’s own social-media account to advertise stolen material.
Student-athletes are also being targeted
The FBI and the National Collegiate Athletic Association have separately warned that student-athletes are facing similar account-takeover and sexual-exploitation schemes.
The agencies urged coaches, athletic-department leaders and compliance staff to raise awareness among students and their communities. Young people and high-profile social-media users may be especially attractive targets because criminals can use their public profiles to identify friends, teammates and family members.
The FBI did not say what prompted the latest alert. However, the bureau often publishes public-service announcements after identifying a rise in related reports or threats.
Scammers use fake security alerts
Attackers may send unsolicited texts or emails claiming that an account will be disabled unless the recipient provides a verification code. Other messages warn about a supposed new login and include a link to reset a password.
These messages are designed to steal account credentials or temporary security codes. The FBI stressed that legitimate platforms will not ask users to share a verification code, temporary password or PIN-reset code.
Users should not click links in unexpected security messages. Instead, they should open the service directly through its official app or website and check the account’s security settings from there.
How to reduce the risk of account theft
Strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication can significantly reduce the risk of an account takeover. Passwords should not include easily available personal details, such as names or dates of birth.
The FBI also recommends avoiding the storage of sensitive private content on social-media accounts or other internet-connected services whenever possible.
Anyone who receives blackmail threats should stop communicating with the offender, preserve relevant evidence and report the incident to the platform and law enforcement. Victims should not blame themselves or handle sextortion alone, as support services and authorities can help limit further harm.
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