***WARNING*** Read this important information to protect yourselves. 

August 16, 2026 – The FBI is warning the public about sexual exploitation actors targeting adult and underage victims by illegally accessing their social media accounts to steal their explicit content and post it for sale on criminal marketplaces.

Read our new PSA for details on the tactics used to gain access to victim accounts, including password/PIN targeting, social media support impersonation via SMS/text messages, and phishing emails.

Key tips to protect yourself:

• Avoid storing sensitive images or videos on social media platforms.
• Use unique passphrases and multi-factor authentication and avoid using password information that is directly associated with your identity.
• Be cautious with embedded links in emails and texts—verify sender and purpose before clicking—and treat unrequested temporary passwords, PIN resets, or access codes as suspicious.

Find more details and victim resources here: www.ic3.gov/PSA/2026/PSA260810.

Source: FBI