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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Platforms Profit From Criminal Ads
- Meta's platforms host vast amounts of criminal activity and profit from it via ad revenue.
- Paul Raffile highlights Reuters reporting that as much as 10% of Meta's ad revenue may come from scam ads.
Sextortion Cases Have Doubled
- Reported U.S. financial sextortion cases targeting minors rose from 28,000 to over 50,000 in about a year.
- Paul Raffile says the problem roughly doubled, showing current measures are failing.
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.