Predictors of Law Enforcement Reporting Among Male Financial Sextortion Victims

• In Event: Technology Supported Victimization: Attitudes, Reporting and Effects

Abstract

Financial sextortion is a growing cybercrime issue in which individuals are threatened with the public dissemination of sexual images unless they pay a ransom. Using data collected on 117 male victims of financial sextortion, this presentation examines how ransom payment, fear, self-conscious emotions (e.g., guilt, shame, and embarrassment), and anxiety impacts the likelihood a victim will report their experiences to law enforcement. Analyses indicate that paying the ransom is the strongest predictor of reporting.

Authors

• Roberta O'Malley, University of South Florida

• Aida Ozuni, University of South Florida

• Jessica Grosholz, University of South Florida