Blackmail and Extortion Threats of 2025

By Steven Gray | Licensed Investigator, GrayCloak.com

“Information is power — and knowing how criminals operate keeps you out of their reach.”

For nearly two decades, I’ve helped clients contain blackmail, extortion, and reputational threats. When I read FBI and IC3 public-service announcements, I see the same tactics my own clients face every day. These alerts aren’t technical bulletins; they’re field notes from the front lines of online deception.

Below are this year’s most relevant FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) PSAs — summarized and interpreted through the lens of blackmail defense and privacy strategy.

FBI works on cyber crime through their IC3 division. Blackmail and sextortion are cyber crimes. However, don't expect the FBI to stop exposure of your photos or personal data.

Violent Online Networks Target Vulnerable and Underage Populations

This FBI announcement exposes organized online groups that groom minors and vulnerable adults before coercing them through blackmail, extortion, and the misuse of private images. These predators build trust in chat rooms, gaming communities, and social platforms before turning to psychological and sexual manipulation.

Why it matters: Grooming is the earliest stage of blackmail. Recognizing it early can prevent escalation. Once an attacker learns your vulnerabilities, they no longer need access to your files — they have access to you.

Official Link: https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250306

FBI Warns of Scammers Impersonating the IC3

Criminals impersonated IC3 staff via email, phone, and social media, claiming they could recover lost funds — for a fee. More than 100 cases were reported between December 2023 and February 2025.

Why it matters: When “help” arrives asking for money, it’s not help. Many victims of sextortion and blackmail fall for these secondary scams after the first attack.

Official Link: ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250418

North Korean IT Workers Conducting Data Extortion

The FBI reports that North Korean–linked IT contractors are infiltrating U.S. companies through remote work arrangements. Once embedded, they exfiltrate sensitive data and demand payment to prevent disclosure.

Why it matters: Extortion doesn’t always start with social scams; sometimes it grows from within a business relationship that began legitimately. Proper background vetting and limiting remote-access permissions are crucial to prevent leverage before it begins.

Official Link: https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250123

Fictitious Law Firms Targeting Cryptocurrency Scam Victims

Fraudsters created fake law firms, complete with convincing websites and documents, claiming they could recover lost crypto. Victims who paid these “legal fees” lost even more.

Why it matters: After blackmail, fake “recovery” services often appear next — using legal jargon and official seals. A licensed investigator verifies before acting; these firms exploit panic.

Official Link: ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250813

Hacker Com: Theft, Extortion, and Violence Against Youth

The FBI highlighted a global group called “The Com,” responsible for blackmail, doxxing, and extortion of teens and young adults.

Why it matters: Many blackmailers operate in teams. They share victim data and pressure victims across multiple platforms — a tactic I see weekly in my own casework.

Official Link: ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250723-3

Unsolicited Packages with QR Codes Used to Initiate Fraud

Victims received unexpected packages containing QR codes leading to malicious sites that stole personal and financial data.

Why it matters: Blackmailers often combine social engineering with technical hooks. A QR code scan can grant access to accounts used later for extortion or impersonation.

Official Link: ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250731

Russian Cyber Actors Target Networking Devices

State-sponsored groups planted persistent malware in network equipment used by U.S. entities — giving them long-term access for espionage and extortion.

Why it matters: Whether criminal or state actor, access equals leverage. If your systems are compromised, blackmail becomes only a matter of timing.

Official Link: ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250820

What These Warnings Reveal

“Every scam is a study in leverage — who has it, and how they use it.”

These announcements show how criminals adapt and how victims get caught twice: first by the blackmailer, then by the fake rescuer.Reading them through a practical lens teaches one thing: verification and containment beat panic and payment.

Why I Provide This

Because most people don’t read FBI bulletins until after they’ve been hurt.I read them for you — and translate them into something you can actually use.

In almost every blackmail case I handle, the warning signs were visible months earlier in an IC3 announcement. Understanding them is your first layer of defense.

If you’re receiving threats or demands right now, don’t wait for another PSA. Contact me directly for confidential, licensed help: SG@GrayCloak.com