FBI and NCAA Warn Student-Athletes About Online Sexual Exploitation

Phishing schemes may be used to steal private images and extort victims

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Collegiate Athletic Association have launched a joint awareness initiative warning student-athletes about cyber-enabled sexual exploitation schemes.

According to the FBI, student-athletes are frequent targets because of their visibility at school, in their communities and through Name, Image and Likeness activities. Offenders may exploit that public profile by threatening to release stolen private images unless the victim pays money or provides additional personal information.

Common warning signs include:

-Unsolicited text messages claiming an account will be disabled unless the user provides a verification code;
- Emails reporting an unfamiliar login and directing the recipient to a password-reset link;
- Requests for temporary passwords, PIN codes, identification or payment;
-Threats to distribute private images or other personal content.

The FBI advises that legitimate platforms generally will not ask users to disclose verification codes, temporary passwords or PIN reset codes. Passwords should also avoid names, birth dates and other personal information that can be easily discovered.

Anyone who believes they have been targeted should:

- Avoid clicking unfamiliar links or opening unknown attachments;
- End all communication with the offender;
- Refuse payment and requests for identification;
- Preserve messages, images and other evidence;
- Report the incident immediately.

The FBI warns that paying or complying with an offender’s demands does not reliably prevent the distribution of private content and often leads to additional demands.

The FBI and NCAA are asking coaches, compliance personnel and athletic department leaders to share these resources with student-athletes and ensure they know where to seek help.

Non-consensual intimate images may be reported at [ncii.ic3.gov](https://ncii.ic3.gov/). Tips may also be submitted at [tips.fbi.gov](https://tips.fbi.gov/)or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.