What the Hack? Episode 228: Paul Raffile on the Sextortion Economy
Dec 2, 2025
Paul Raffile, a cybercrime expert focused on sextortion, sheds light on the alarming rise in sextortion scams targeting teenage boys, which have doubled recently. He discusses how platforms like Instagram enable criminals through vulnerable features, leading to increased exploitation. Raffile reveals his confronting journey in Nigeria, tracking scammers and advocating for stronger legal action. With insights on the psychological toll on victims, he emphasizes the importance of open communication between parents and teens to mitigate online dangers.
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Instagram Is A Directory For Predators
- Instagram exposes teens' full follower/friend lists, making it a prime directory for predators.
- Raffile explains that screenshots of those lists are used as blackmail leverage in extortion schemes.
Protections Are Easily Circumvented
- Meta said it would hide teens' follower lists from suspected predator accounts but criminals easily circumvent it.
- Raffile notes scammers add multiple fake accounts from the same social circle to bypass detection.
Sextortion Has Caused Teen Suicides
- At least 53 teenagers have died by suicide in the last three years tied directly to sextortion targeting.
- Raffile says cases concentrate on Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, with Instagram usually involved.