Empty Promises, Exploitation, and What Actually Helps

Right now, across Australia and around the world vulnerable people are being targeted twice. First by sextortionists, and then by opportunistic companies promising to "make it all go away" for a fee.

A recent exposé from the United States revealed disturbing practices at Digital Forensics Corporation (DFC), a company that claimed to help sextortion victims. Instead, it reportedly used high-pressure sales tactics, fear-based marketing, misleading “helplines,” and extortionate fees to prey on people in crisis.

Similar tactics are emerging here in Australia, and the trend is growing.

It’s not just these for-profit “digital clean-up” firms. Increasingly, apps and platforms are surfacing that claim to block abuse, remove explicit content, or "protect you from predators" but only if you pay. And if they’re free? You're paying with your personal data.

Let’s be clear, this isn’t support. It’s digital ambulance chasing. When you’re in crisis, fear becomes a currency. And too many are cashing in.

There is no magical fix. No button. No software that can erase sextortion material once it's in the hands of criminals especially those operating anonymously or across borders.

Be wary of anyone claiming they can "delete files from a scammer’s device" or "scrub the internet clean." Even major platforms like Meta, Google, and TikTok, with all their resources, can't remove what hasn’t been uploaded or what circulates in private, encrypted channels.

When companies charge thousands for “content removal plans,” or push monthly fees for abuse-blocking services, they’re not solving the root problem. They’re monetising fear. And too often making promises no ethical professional would dare to offer. They’re not empowering people. They’re profiting off panic.

If You or Someone You Know Is a Victim of Sextortion in Australia, Here’s What ActuallyHelps

• Cut Off Contact Do not reply, do not pay, do not negotiate. Block them everywhere.

• Report Immediately

  eSafety Commissioner www.esafety.gov.au/report

  Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation if Under 18yrs www.accce.gov.au

• The eSafety Commissioner and ACCCE have real regulatory power. Their help is free, confidential, and trauma-informed.

• Do Not Pay Paying a blackmailer rarely ends the abuse it usually escalates it. Instead, take screenshots, save usernames and URLs, and share this evidence with authorities listed above.

• Secure Your Accounts Change all passwords. Enable two-factor authentication. If you’ve shared login details, assume those accounts are compromised.

• Talk to Someone You Trust Shame is a weapon these criminals rely on. You are not to blame. Speak to a trusted adult, friend, GP, teacher, or support helpline.

• Reach Out to Official Support

  Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

  Lifeline: 13 11 14

  1800RESPECT: For trauma-informed counselling

Watch for Red Flags

• Promises of permanent deletion or “guaranteed removal”
• Urgent, high-pressure “phases” of expensive service
• Requests for your passwords or social media access
• Demands for secrecy (don’t tell parents, don’t tell police)

What Actually Works? Education.

Technology evolves rapidly. But long-term safety isn’t found in fear-based solutions or false guarantees, it’s rooted in knowledge.

We must invest in:

• Students, with honest, age-appropriate education on risks
• Parents, with the tools to have open, shame-free conversations at home
• Teachers, with resources to embed online safety into the curriculum
• Workplaces, with clear policies on reporting digital abuse

You Are Not Alone

If you’re facing sextortion, you didn’t cause this.You are not naïve.You have options. And real help never comes with a price tag. We must collectively reject the predatory businesses profiting from people’s darkest moments and instead build a future grounded in up to date education, truth, safety, and support.