Fake social media sextortion intimate image threat scam — scammer claims to have obtained intimate/nude/explicit photos or compromising video and threatens to send them to contacts/family/employer unless paid in Bitcoin/cryptocurrency/gift cards

Sextortion scam threatening to distribute intimate, nude, explicit, or compromising photos/videos to the victim's contacts, family, employer, or social media followers unless the victim pays in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, or gift cards — typically within 24-72 hours. The scammer claims to have obtained the material from a dating app profile, social media account, or a video call recording. Key facts: (1) In the vast majority of cases, the scammer has no actual photos or videos — the threat is entirely fabricated to induce panic and immediate payment; (2) Paying never stops the threats — it confirms the victim will pay and typically leads to escalating demands; (3) Bitcoin wallet addresses and gift card codes cannot be reversed — once sent, money is gone; (4) The FBI's IC3 receives thousands of these complaints annually; (5) The email uses psychological pressure tactics: tight deadline, threatens specific relationships (employer, family), and claims to have already identified all contacts. Warning signs: claims of compromising material, Bitcoin/crypto/gift card payment demand, threat to contact employer or family, 24-72 hour deadline.