• Fake social media profiles are created to pose as attractive individuals.
• Victims are lured into private conversations and convinced to send explicit content.
• Perpetrators immediately turn to blackmail, demanding money or more content.
• Victims are threatened with public exposure if they do not comply.
• Often targets teenagers and young adults who are more vulnerable.

1. United States v. Ogoshi (2024)

Two Nigerian brothers, Samuel and Samson Ogoshi, operated an online sextortion scam that led to the suicide of 17-year-old Jordan DeMay from Michigan. They used fake identities to manipulate victims into sharing explicit images, then blackmailed them for money.

Steps:

1. Fake Profile Creation – The Ogoshi brothers created a fake female social media profile to pose as an attractive young woman. They specifically targeted teenage boys, knowing they were more vulnerable to manipulation.
2. Victim Targeting – They initiated conversations with multiple victims, including Jordan DeMay, gaining his trust over a short period. They engaged him in friendly and flirtatious chats, making him feel comfortable.
3. Trust & Manipulation – After a few exchanges, they convinced DeMay to send compromising images, assuring him that their conversation was private.
4. Blackmail & Threats – Once they received the images, they immediately turned aggressive, demanding large sums of money in exchange for keeping the images private. They warned that if he didn’t pay, they would share the images with his family and friends.
5. Tragic Outcome – Overwhelmed with fear and shame, Jordan DeMay died by suicide just hours after being threatened. Authorities later traced the perpetrators and extradited them to the U.S., sentencing them to 17.5 years in prison.