A global surge in sextortion scams is causing growing concern, especially in Southeast Asia.
According to a new report from cybersecurity firm Avast, sextortion cases are rapidly increasing, with Singapore ranked among the top 10 most vulnerable countries and Malaysia not far behind.

What Is Sextortion and Why Is It Growing?

Sextortion is a form of cyber extortion where scammers threaten to release compromising images or videos—real or AI-generated—unless a ransom is paid.

Several factors are contributing to this sharp rise:

• Massive data breaches exposing personal information.
• The increasing use of artificial intelligence to create deepfake content.
• Easy access to personal details via Google Maps and social media.

AI Deepfakes and Personal Data: A Dangerous Mix

Avast researchers have found that cybercriminals are combining stolen personal data with AI-generated deepfakes to craft highly convincing scams. When paired with online profiles and geolocation data, these threats become hyper-personalized, making them more effective and psychologically damaging.

Ransom demands typically range from $500 to several thousand dollars, often requested in Bitcoin to keep the scammer anonymous. Avast is currently tracking over 15,000 Bitcoin wallets linked to sextortion campaigns using Google Maps—evidence of the growing scale of the problem.

Southeast Asia Among Most Affected Regions

According to Avast, the top 10 countries most targeted by sextortion scams now include:

• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Japan
• Hong Kong
• South Africa
• UAE
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Switzerland
• Czech Republic

In both Singapore and Malaysia, reported cases have increased by over 30% in 2025 alone, highlighting a dangerous upward trend.

Psychological Pressure: The Real Weapon of Sextortion

These scams often use fear tactics to manipulate victims—claiming access to their devices, photos, or browsing history. The fear of embarrassment, especially in professional or family settings, can lead many to pay the ransom silently instead of reporting the incident.

How to Protect Yourself from Sextortion Scams

Avast and other cybersecurity experts offer the following advice:

• Do not respond to threats or engage with the scammer.
• Never send money, even if the threats seem real.
• Report the incident immediately to local cybercrime authorities.
• Regularly update passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
• Use trusted antivirus software and avoid suspicious websites or links.

Final Thoughts: Awareness Is the First Line of Defence

As AI-powered sextortion scams continue to rise in Singapore, Malaysia, and globally, public awareness and prompt reporting are crucial. If you or someone you know is affected, take action quickly and seek help from cybersecurity professionals or law enforcement.